Mr. Cooper Group Inc. - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

OR

Commission File No. 001-14667

WMIH Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

800 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 4100

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98104

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(206) 922-2957

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:

Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share

Name of each exchange on which registered:

The Nasdaq Stock Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the last sales price ($1.25) as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market as of the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2017) was $258.4 million.

As of February 28, 2018, 206,714,132 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.00001 par value, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The registrant has incorporated into Part III of Form 10-K, by reference, portions of its Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

WMIH CORP.

2017 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, our expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions.   All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that address activities, events, conditions or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business and these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements may include the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. Certain of these risks are identified and discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 under Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A. These risk factors will be important to consider in determining future results and should be reviewed in their entirety. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we are not under any obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports, which we have filed or will file from time to time with the SEC.

* * * * *

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context requires otherwise, (i) the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” refer collectively to WMIH Corp. (formerly WMI Holdings Corp. and, prior to WMI Holdings Corp., Washington Mutual, Inc.) and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; (ii) “WMIH” refers only to WMIH Corp., without regard to its subsidiaries; (iii) “WMIHC” refers only to WMI Holdings Corp., without regard to its subsidiaries; (iv) “WMMRC” means WM Mortgage Reinsurance Company, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH); and (v) “WMIIC” means WMI Investment Corp. (formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH).

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “First Lien Notes,” “Second Lien Notes,” “Runoff Notes,” “Runoff Proceeds,” “First Lien Indenture,” “Second Lien Indenture,” and “Indentures” have the meanings set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Redeemed Notes” in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART I

Item 1.Business.

WMIH Corp.

WMIH Corp. (“WMIH”) is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware since May 11, 2015.  WMIH is the direct parent of WM Mortgage Reinsurance Company, Inc., a Hawaii corporation (“WMMRC”) and was the direct parent of WMI Investment Corp., a Delaware corporation (“WMIIC”), until the dissolution of WMIIC on January 18, 2018. Additionally, WMIH is the direct parent of Wand Merger Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”). For more information on the dissolution of WMIIC, see “WMIIC” under this Item 1 and Note 15: Subsequent Events, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Since emerging from bankruptcy on March 19, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), we have had limited operations other than WMMRC’s legacy reinsurance business, which is being operated in runoff mode. Since the Effective Date, our primary strategic objective has been to identify and consummate one or more acquisitions of an operating business, either through a merger, purchase, business combination or other form of acquisition. To that end, we have continued to seek, identify and evaluate acquisition opportunities of varying sizes across an array of industries for the purpose of facilitating an acquisition by WMIH of one or more operating businesses. During the year ended December 31, 2017 we focused primarily on acquisition targets in the financial services industry, including companies with consumer finance, commercial finance, specialty finance, leasing and insurance operations. Since 2014, in addition to management’s ongoing efforts, WMIH has worked with our strategic partner, an affiliate of KKR & CO. L.P. (together with its affiliates, “KKR”), to identify and evaluate potential acquisition opportunities.

On February 12, 2018, WMIH, Merger Sub and Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation that is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “NSM” (“Nationstar”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into Nationstar (the “Nationstar Transaction” or the “Merger”), with Nationstar continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the “Merger Effective Time”) and as a result of the Merger, each share of Nationstar’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time (other than shares owned, directly or indirectly, by Nationstar, WMIH or Merger Sub or by any Nationstar stockholder who properly exercises and perfects appraisal of his, her or its shares under Delaware law) will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder of such share, (i) $18.00 per share in cash, without interest, or (ii) 12.7793 shares of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of WMIH common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“WMIH Common Stock”), subject in each case to pro rata cutbacks to the extent cash or stock is oversubscribed (the “Merger Consideration”). The aggregate amount of cash to be paid as Merger Consideration in the Merger is approximately $1.2 billion.  

The Merger is expected to close in the second half of 2018, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. An entity owned by investment funds managed by an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“Fortress”), holding approximately 68% of Nationstar’s voting shares, has contractually agreed to support the Merger and elect cash consideration for approximately 34 million shares, subject to proration. KKR, which owns shares of WMIH stock representing approximately 24% of WMIH’s voting power on an as converted basis, also has agreed to support the Merger. Upon consummating the Merger, and on a pro forma basis, WMIH shareholders will own approximately 64% of the common stock of the combined company and Nationstar shareholders will own approximately 36%.

On January 5, 2015, WMIH completed its $600.0 million offering (the “Series B Preferred Stock Financing”) of 600,000 shares of 3% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001, liquidation preference $1,000 per share (the “Original Series B Preferred Stock”), in the amount of aggregate gross proceeds equal to $600.0 million. Net proceeds of $598.5 million were deposited into an escrow account and have been, and will be, released from escrow to us from time to time in amounts needed to finance our efforts to explore and fund, in whole or in part, certain acquisitions, whether completed or not, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses, accounting expenses, due diligence, contractual payments such as termination fees and financial advisor fees and expenses. On December 8, 2017, we amended the Original Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Amendment”), which amendment became effective at 12:00 a.m., New York City time, on January 5, 2018, and effected an exchange of the previously outstanding Original Series B Preferred Stock for shares of WMIH’s 5.00% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”). For further information on the Series B Preferred Stock Financing and the Series B Amendment, see Note 9: Capital Stock and Derivative Instruments and Note 15: Subsequent Events, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Upon the closing of the Nationstar Transaction all of the Series B Preferred Stock will be mandatorily converted into WMIH Common Stock at a conversion price of $1.35 per share, and holders of Series B Preferred Stock also will be entitled to a special, one-time distribution of WMIH Common Stock and accrued and unpaid dividends payable in WMIH Common Stock.

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If we do not consummate a Qualified Acquisition, as defined in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) prior to October 5, 2019 (the “Series B Redemption Date”), as such date may be extended in accordance with the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock would be required to be redeemed. The redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock would substantially deplete our available cash and our ability to (i) utilize our net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forward, (ii) access significant alternative sources of capital and (iii) continue business operations would likely be significantly and adversely impacted.

WMMRC

WMMRC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH. Prior to August 2008 (at which time WMMRC became a direct subsidiary of WMI), WMMRC was a wholly-owned subsidiary of FA Out-of-State Holdings, Inc., a second-tier subsidiary of Washington Mutual Bank (“WMB”) and third-tier subsidiary of WMI. WMMRC is a pure captive insurance company domiciled in the State of Hawaii. WMMRC was incorporated on February 25, 2000, and received a Certificate of Authority, dated March 2, 2000, from the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii.

WMMRC was originally organized to reinsure private mortgage insurance risk for seven primary mortgage insurers then offering private mortgage insurance on loans originated or purchased by certain former subsidiaries of WMI. The seven primary mortgage insurers are United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company, Genworth Mortgage Insurance Corporation (“GMIC”), Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, PMI Mortgage Insurance Company, Radian Guaranty Incorporated (“Radian”), Republic Mortgage Insurance Company and Triad Guaranty Insurance Company.

All of WMMRC’s reinsurance agreements are on an excess of loss basis, except for a certain reinsurance treaty with GMIC during 2007, which is reinsured on a 50% quota share basis. Pursuant to the excess of loss reinsurance agreements, WMMRC reinsures a second loss layer which ranges from 5% to 10% of the risk in force in excess of the primary mortgage insurer’s first loss percentages which range from 4% to 5%. Each calendar year, or book year, is treated separately from other years when calculating losses. In return for accepting a portion of the risk, WMMRC receives, net of ceding commission, a percentage of the premium that ranges from 25% to 40%.

WMMRC previously commuted three reinsurance agreements, one each, in 2009, 2012 and 2014, respectively, and the related trust assets were distributed in accordance with the commutation agreements.  On October 23, 2017, the reinsurance agreement with Radian was commuted and the related trust assets were released to WMMRC. We also may seek opportunities to extract excess capital through commutation of one or more of WMMRC’s remaining reinsurance agreements or otherwise, with a view toward accelerating the distribution of capital in excess of the amounts needed to pay claims.

WMIIC

From the Effective Date through January 18, 2018, the date on which WMIIC was dissolved, WMIIC was an inactive subsidiary and had no operations or assets. For more information on the dissolution of WMIIC see Note 15: Subsequent Events, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Competition

With respect to our current operations, the Company operates a single business, WMMRC, whose sole activity is the reinsurance of mortgage insurance policies.  WMMRC has been operated in runoff mode since September 26, 2008. Since that date, WMMRC has not underwritten any new policies (and by extension any new risk). WMMRC, through predecessor companies, began reinsuring risks in 1997 and continued reinsuring risks through September 25, 2008. Because WMMRC’s business is in runoff mode, we currently have no competitors in that line of business. With respect to our acquisition strategy, we compete for acquisition opportunities with strategic and financial buyers, including private equity firms, and some of those potential competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, marketing and management resources than we do.

Government Regulation

We are subject to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii. We are also subject to the accounting rules and regulations of the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Any of these laws or regulations may be modified or changed from time to time, and there is no assurance that such modifications or changes will not adversely affect us.

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Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we employed four full-time employees. We also have retained the services of two individuals on a non-exclusive basis to serve as executive officers of WMIH. None of our employees is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

On March 22, 2012, WMIH entered into employment agreements with two of our employees.  On May 15, 2015, WMIH entered into employment agreements with two additional employees, one of whom serves as a director on WMIH’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer, and the other serves as President and Chief Operating Officer.  These agreements have been filed with the SEC on Form 8-K, dated March 23, 2012, and on Form 8-K12G3, dated May 13, 2015, respectively.  WMIH has two additional executive officers, Charles Edward Smith, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, and Timothy F. Jaeger, Interim Chief Financial Officer, who are independent contractors.  

Executive Officers of the Registrant

WMIH has four executive officers: William C. Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas L. Fairfield, President and Chief Operating Officer, Charles Edward Smith, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary and Timothy F. Jaeger, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Fairfield provide services under employment agreements each dated May 15, 2015. Mr. Smith provides services to WMIH under the Transition Services Agreement, dated March 22, 2012, as amended (the “TSA”), entered into between WMIH and the WMI Liquidating Trust (the “Trust”), under which Mr. Smith provides chief legal officer and other services to WMIH on a non-exclusive basis. Mr. Jaeger provides non-exclusive services to WMIH under an engagement agreement with CXO Consulting Group, LLC, under which Mr. Jaeger acts as Interim Chief Accounting Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer to WMIH. Subject to the terms of the agreements, the executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There are no arrangements or understandings between the executive officers and any other person pursuant to which he was or is to be selected as an officer, other than the designated agreements, which agreements designate the service or positions to be held by the executive officer. None of the executive officers is related to one another or to any members of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Gallagher serves as a director on the Board.

William C. Gallagher, age 59, has served as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board since May 15, 2015.  Mr. Gallagher served as a consultant to WMIH from November 21, 2014 to May 15, 2015. Mr. Gallagher was previously an Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors at Capmark Financial Group Inc. (now known as Bluestem Group Inc. and referred to herein as “Capmark”). Mr. Gallagher served as President and CEO of Capmark from February 2011 to November 2014. He was Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of Capmark from March 2009 to February 2011. Prior to joining Capmark, Mr. Gallagher was the Chief Credit Officer of RBS Greenwich Capital from September 1989 to February 2009.

Thomas L. Fairfield, age 59, has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since May 15, 2015, and served as a member of the Board from May 15, 2015 until June 1, 2017.  Mr. Fairfield is currently a director of Wand Merger Corporation, a subsidiary of WMIH. Mr. Fairfield served as a consultant to WMIH from November 21, 2014 to May 15, 2015.  Mr. Fairfield was previously an Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors at Capmark. Mr. Fairfield was Chief Operating Officer of Capmark from February 2011 to November 2014. From March 2006 to February 2012, Mr. Fairfield served as Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Capmark. Prior to joining Capmark, Mr. Fairfield was a partner at the law firm of Reed Smith LLP from September 2005 to March 2006 and prior to that at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP from February 2000 to August 2005 and LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, LLP from January 1991 to February 2000, where his practice focused primarily on general corporate and securities law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and financial services.

Charles Edward Smith, age 48, has served as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since the Effective Date and President and Interim Chief Executive Officer from the Effective Date through May 15, 2015.  In addition, since the Effective Date, Mr. Smith has served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Trust. Mr. Smith is currently a director of Wand Merger Corporation, a subsidiary of WMIH. During the significant portion of WMI’s Chapter 11 proceedings, Mr. Smith served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of WMI. Prior to the closure of WMB on September 25, 2008, Mr. Smith was a First Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Team Lead (Corporate Finance) for WMB, where he supported the Treasury Group and led a team of lawyers and other professionals who supported the Company’s capital, liquidity, mergers and acquisitions and structured finance activities.

Timothy F. Jaeger, age 59, has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since June 25, 2012 and Interim Chief Accounting Officer since May 28, 2012. He is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of accounting experience. Most recently, from December 2006 to March 2012, Mr. Jaeger served as Senior Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer/CFO of Macquarie AirFinance, Ltd., a global aviation lessor providing aircraft and capital to the world’s airlines. From November 2006 to December 2009, Mr. Jaeger was a partner at Tatum Partners, LLC, an executive services and consulting firm in the United States.

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Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act.  You may obtain copies of these reports and filings, without charge, through our corporate website located at www.wmih-corp.com. The information on our corporate website is not incorporated into this report or into any other communication delivered to security holders or furnished to the SEC. You can also inspect and copy our reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the SEC at the offices of the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its Public Reference Rooms. The SEC also maintains an Internet website at http://www.sec/gov/ where you can obtain our SEC filings.

Upon written request, we will furnish to you without charge a paper copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (including financial statements and schedules, but without exhibits). Copies of exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and copies of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K, will be furnished for a payment of a fee of $0.50 per page upon written request directed to Secretary, WMIH Corp., 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4100, Seattle, WA 98104.

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The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that apply to all companies operating in the United States and globally, as well as other risks that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial.

Risks Related to Our Business

WMIH and its subsidiaries have limited operations; WMIH is a holding company, and its only material assets are cash on hand, cash held in trust, restricted cash and its equity interests in its operating subsidiary and its other investments, and WMIH’s principal source of revenue and cash flow are distributions and certain payments from our wholly-owned subsidiary, WMMRC, which is operating in runoff mode and is subject to restrictions from paying us dividends and investment income from our investment portfolio.

As a holding company, our only material assets are our cash on hand, cash held in trust, restricted cash, the equity interests in WMMRC and other investments. As of December 31, 2017, WMIH had no operations other than WMMRC’s legacy reinsurance business with respect to mortgage insurance which is being operated in runoff mode and activities related to identifying and consummating an acquisition. WMMRC has not written any new business since September 26, 2008. As of December 31, 2017, excluding restricted cash and assets held in trust, we had approximately $28.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, which includes $7.6 million held by our wholly-owned subsidiary, WMMRC. Prior to consummating a Qualified Acquisition, we expect that our principal source of revenue and cash flow will be investment income from our investment portfolio, if any, cash and cash equivalents on hand, distributions from our operating subsidiary, if any, and certain payments made to us by WMMRC pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2012, between WMIH and WMMRC (the “Administrative Services Agreement”) and the Investment Management Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2012, between WMIH and WMMRC (the “Investment Management Agreement”). WMMRC is restricted by insurance law from making distributions to WMIH unless prior approval is obtained from the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii. Thus, our current ability to fund our operations, including costs associated with the Nationstar Transaction, or if the Nationstar Transaction does not close, costs associated with identifying, evaluating, negotiating and closing other potential acquisition opportunities is dependent on (i) the ability of our operating subsidiary to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make upstream cash distributions to us, and (ii) our ability to obtain access to the funds held in escrow from the Series B Preferred Stock Financing. Any future subsidiaries will be separate legal entities, and although they may be wholly-owned or controlled by us, they will have no obligation to make any funds available to us, whether in the form of loans, dividends, distributions or otherwise. The ability of our operating subsidiary to distribute cash to us is also subject to, among other things, availability of sufficient funds and applicable state laws and regulatory restrictions. Claims of creditors of any subsidiaries generally have priority as to the assets of such subsidiaries over our claims and claims of our creditors and stockholders. To the extent our ability to access funds held in escrow from the Series B Preferred Stock Financing could be limited in any way, or the ability of our operating subsidiary to distribute dividends or other payments to us could be limited in any way, such limitations could materially limit our ability to grow, pursue business opportunities or make acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, fund and conduct our business, or fund redemptions or repurchases.

If we are unable to consummate the Nationstar Transaction or identify and/or complete another Acquisition or there are delays in finding suitable acquisition targets or the Nationstar Transaction is not successful or any other Acquisitions that we may make are not successful, WMIH may never achieve sustained profitability, which would adversely affect the value of the Company.

If we are unable to consummate the Nationstar Transaction, we may not be able to identify or complete an alternative acquisition in a timely manner or at all and any delays we encounter in the selection, acquisition and/or development of other acquisition targets could adversely affect our value. WMIH’s inability to consummate the Nationstar Transaction or make one or more other suitable Acquisitions would impair WMIH’s ability to become profitable. If WMIH consummates the Nationstar Transaction or makes another Acquisition, we may fail to achieve profitability on a sustained basis which would adversely affect the value of the Company.  See “—Risk Factors Relating to the Pending Nationstar Transaction.”

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Until July 5, 2019, we are required to obtain prior consent from KKR Wand Holdings Corporation (“KKR Wand”) to enter into any definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition.

Under a Letter Agreement (as amended, the “Letter Agreement”) with KKR Wand and KKR Wand Investors Corporation (“KKR Investors,” and together with KKR Wand, the “KKR Holders”), affiliates of KKR that hold Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), warrants to purchase common stock of WMIH, and Series B Preferred Stock, from December 8, 2017 through July 5, 2019,  WMIH is prohibited from entering into a definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition without the prior written consent of KKR Wand; subject to a minimum stock ownership level by the KKR Holders, and their affiliates, and defined notice time periods which are detailed in the Letter Agreement. As a result, KKR Wand’s consent must be obtained prior to WMIH entering into a definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition. KKR Wand has consented to the Nationstar Transaction; however, if we do not consummate the Nationstar Transaction, the failure or refusal of KKR Wand to provide its consent timely, or at all, and without conditions to another potential acquisition transaction may adversely impact our ability to successfully execute our acquisition strategy and complete an Acquisition.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to receive consent from KKR Wand with respect to any Acquisition or Qualified Acquisition other than the Nationstar Transaction.

A mandatory redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations.

If we do not consummate the Nationstar Transaction or another Acquisition or Qualified Acquisition, on or prior to the Series B Redemption Date or take other actions to extend the redemption date applicable to, or to refinance or modify the terms of, the Series B Preferred Stock, then we will be obligated to redeem any outstanding Series B Preferred Stock on the Series B Redemption Date.   The execution and public announcement by WMIH of the Merger Agreement has extended the Series B Redemption Date to the earlier of April 5, 2020 and the day immediately following the date the Merger Agreement is terminated or the date the Merger is closed. All or a portion of the Series B Preferred Stock automatically converts into WMIH Common Stock upon consummation of a Qualified Acquisition (including the Nationstar Transaction) or an Acquisition, as the case may be. If an Acquisition occurs but a Qualified Acquisition does not occur, we are obligated to redeem any remaining portion of the Series B Preferred Stock that have not converted into WMIH Common Stock and remain outstanding on the Series B Redemption Date.  “Acquisition” means any acquisition by the Company (or any of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries), in a single transaction or a series of transactions, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the assets of, or of 80% or more of the equity interests in, or a business line, unit or division of, any person. A “Qualified Acquisition” means an Acquisition that, taken together with prior Acquisitions (if any), collectively utilizes aggregate net proceeds of the Series B Preferred Stock Financing of $450.0 million.

There can be no assurances that we will be able to consummate the Nationstar Transaction or another Acquisition or Qualified Acquisition prior to the Series B Redemption Date. A mandatory redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock would substantially deplete our cash on hand to continue seeking acquisitions and would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations.  Relatedly, under those circumstances, we also may not have access to alternative sources of capital or liquidity.

WMIH, together with its subsidiaries, may not be able to fully utilize our net operating loss (“NOL”) and other tax carry forwards.

As of December 31, 2012, WMIH and its subsidiaries had U.S. federal NOLs of approximately $7.5 billion, of which approximately $6.0 billion was allocated to that portion of 2012 after the ownership change described below, that, if unused, will begin to expire in 2031. We believe that, as of December 31, 2017, WMIH and WMMRC had NOLs not subject to limitation under Section 382 (“Section 382”) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), of approximately $6.0 billion. Both WMIH and WMMRC caused 100% valuation allowances to be recorded against these deferred tax assets.

On the Effective Date, we believe that we experienced an “ownership change” within the meaning of Sections 382 and 383 of the Code. An ownership change is generally defined as a more than 50 percentage point collective increase in equity ownership by “5-percent shareholders” (as that term is defined for purposes of Sections 382 and 383 of the Code) in any rolling three-year period or since the last ownership change if such prior ownership change occurred within the prior three-year period. As a result of such ownership change on the Effective Date, the limitations on the use of pre-change losses and other carry forward tax attributes in Sections 382 and 383 of the Code apply and we will be able to utilize only a small portion of the NOL carry forwards from the years prior to 2012 and the portion of the NOL for 2012 allocable to the portion of the year prior to March 20, 2012. The utilization of the NOL for 2012 allocable to the portion of the year after the Effective Date and the NOLs from subsequent years should not be affected by the ownership change on the Effective Date.

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Our ability, including the ability of any subsidiary or subsidiaries acquired in any Acquisition, to utilize NOLs and other tax carry forwards to reduce taxable income in future years could be limited for various reasons, including if projected future taxable income is insufficient to recognize the full benefit of such NOL carry forwards prior to their expiration and/or the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) challenges that a transaction or transactions were concluded with the principal purpose of evasion or avoidance of Federal income tax. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient taxable income in later years to enable us to use the NOLs before they expire, or that the IRS will not challenge the use of all or any portion of the NOLs.  Additionally, our ability (and the ability of any future subsidiary or subsidiaries) to fully use these tax assets could also be adversely affected if the respective companies were deemed to have another “ownership change” within the meaning of Sections 382 and 383 of the Code. Although we have certain transfer restrictions in place under the Certificate of Incorporation, our Board of Directors could issue additional shares of stock or permit or effect future conversions, amendments or redemptions of our stock (including the Series B Preferred Stock), which, depending on their magnitude, could result in ownership changes that would trigger the imposition of additional limitations on the utilization of our NOLs under Sections 382 and 383 of the Code. Based on the price of WMIH’s common stock as of March 1, 2018, if all currently issued and outstanding Series B Preferred Stock are redeemed, we believe we would experience an “ownership change.” Accordingly, there can be no assurance that, in the future, WMIH and/or its subsidiary (and any future subsidiary) will be able to utilize its NOLs or not experience additional limitations on utilizing the tax benefits of their NOLs and other tax carry forwards. Such limitations could have a material adverse effect on WMIH’s and/or its subsidiary’s (or any future subsidiary’s) results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

In an attempt to minimize the likelihood of an additional ownership change occurring, our Certificate of Incorporation contains transfer restrictions limiting the acquisition (and disposition) of our stock or any other instrument treated as stock for purposes of Section 382 by persons or group of persons treated as a single entity under Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-3 owning (actually or constructively), or who would own as a result of the transaction, 4.75% of the total value of our stock (including any other interests treated as stock for purposes of Section 382). Nevertheless, it is possible that we could undergo an additional ownership change, either by events within or outside of the control of our Board, e.g., indirect changes in the ownership of persons owning 5% of our stock. Moreover, approximately 1.5 million shares of WMIH’s common stock are held in escrow in an account known as the Disputed Equity Escrow. A subsequent release or transfer of the stock potentially could result in an ownership change of WMIH at that time.  In the event of a subsequent ownership change, all or part of the NOLs from 2012 and subsequent years that were not previously subject to limitations under Section 382 could also become subject to an annual limitation.

The IRS could challenge the amount, timing and/or use of our NOL carry forwards.

The amount of our NOL carry forwards has not been audited or otherwise validated by the IRS. Among other things, the IRS could challenge whether an ownership change occurred on the Effective Date, as well as the amount, the timing and/or our use of our NOLs. Any such challenge, if successful, could significantly limit our ability to utilize a portion or all of our NOL carry forwards. In addition, calculating whether an ownership change has occurred within the meaning of Section 382 is subject to inherent uncertainty, both because of the complexity of applying Section 382 and because of limitations on a publicly-traded company’s knowledge as to the ownership of, and transactions in, its securities. Therefore, the calculation of the amount of our utilizable NOL carry forwards could be changed as a result of a successful challenge by the IRS or as a result of new information about the ownership of, and transactions in, our securities.

We cannot fully predict the impact of recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation on our NOLs, business or financial condition.

On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law.  The Tax Act makes major changes to the Code, and includes a number of provisions that affect the taxation of corporations, such as, among other things, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, modifying the rules regarding limitations on certain deductions for executive compensation, introducing a capital investment deduction in certain circumstances, placing certain limitations on the interest deduction, modifying the rules regarding the usability of certain net operating losses arising in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017, and the migration from a worldwide system of taxation to a modified territorial system with corresponding measures to prevent base erosion. Given that our current deferred tax assets are offset by a full valuation allowance, we do not believe that the Tax Act would result in a net change to our financial statements, although if we become profitable, we will obtain a reduced benefit from such deferred tax assets. We continue to examine the impact that the Tax Act will have on us and our business. However, because at this time the overall impact of the Tax Act is unclear, the ultimate effect of the Tax Act on our business and financial condition is uncertain and could be adverse.

Possible changes in legislation could negatively affect our ability to use the tax benefits associated with our NOL carry forwards.

The rules relating to U.S. federal income taxation are periodically under review by persons involved in the legislative and administrative rulemaking processes, by the IRS and by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, resulting in revisions of regulations and revised interpretations of established concepts as well as statutory changes. Future revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely impact our ability to use some or all of the tax benefits associated with our NOL carry forwards.

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Litigation against us could be costly and time consuming to defend.

We may from time to time be subject to legal proceedings and claims from third parties. Litigation may result in substantial costs and may divert our attention and WMIH resources, which may seriously harm our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

An unfavorable judgment against us in any legal proceeding or claim could require us to pay monetary damages. In addition, an unfavorable judgment in which the counterparty is awarded equitable relief, such as an injunction, could have an adverse impact on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

Our limited staffing may curtail our ability to attain WMIH’s business objectives.

We have very limited staffing and management resources and are highly dependent on consultants and certain key employees. As of December 31, 2017, in addition to Messrs. Gallagher and Fairfield, the Company had two additional employees. WMIH’s Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Charles Edward Smith, is an employee of the Trust, and our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Timothy F. Jaeger, is a self-employed consultant engaged by WMIH to provide financial reporting services.  Minimal staffing and any inability we may have to engage new executive officers or key employees in the event any of our executive officers or key employees terminates employment could have a material adverse impact on our operations or delay or curtail the attainment of WMIH’s objectives.

We are subject to regulation by various federal and state entities.

We are subject to the regulations of the SEC and the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii. New regulations issued by these agencies may adversely affect our ability to carry on our business activities.

We are subject to various federal and state laws and certain changes in these laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations. Noncompliance with certain of these regulations may impact our business plans.

We are also subject to the accounting rules and regulations of the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards Board as well as the listing rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. Changes in accounting rules could adversely affect the reported financial statements or our results of operations and may also require extraordinary efforts or additional costs to implement. Any of these laws or regulations may be modified or changed from time to time, and there is no assurance that such modifications or changes will not adversely affect us.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete an Acquisition.

If the nature of our operations or the assets on our balance sheet causes us to no longer be exempt from the definition of “investment company,” we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expenses for which we have not allotted funds and may hinder our ability to complete an Acquisition.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, our activities may be restricted, including restrictions on the nature of our investments and restrictions on the issuance of securities, each of which may make it difficult for us to complete an Acquisition. In addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements, including:

We do not believe that our principal activities subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds from the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, the warrants to purchase WMIH Common Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock are only (i) held in cash or (ii) invested (a) in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 180 days or less or (b) in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business objective of consummating one or more acquisitions of an operating business (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund), we intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. However, there can be no assurance that WMIH will not be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

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Business interruptions could limit our ability to operate our business.

Our operations, as well as others on which we depend, are vulnerable to damage or interruption from fire; natural disasters, including earthquakes; computer viruses; human error; power shortages; telecommunication failures; international acts of terror; and similar events. Our offices are located in Seattle, Washington and we currently obtain certain key services from the Trust pursuant to the TSA. The TSA, as amended, is currently in effect through June 30, 2018, with automatic renewals thereafter for successive additional three-month terms, subject to non-renewal at the end of any additional term upon written notice by either party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the additional term.

Although we have certain business continuity plans in place, we have not established a formal comprehensive disaster recovery plan, and our back-up operations and business interruption insurance may not be adequate to compensate for losses we may suffer. A significant business interruption, including an unexpected non-renewal or termination of the TSA, could result in losses or damages incurred by us and require that we cease or curtail our operations.

Risks Related to Owning WMIH’s Stock

WMIH’s common stock, and any other instruments treated as stock for purposes of Section 382, including the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, are subject to transfer restrictions under the Certificate of Incorporation, which if not complied with, could result in the forfeiture of such stock and related distributions.

Our Certificate of Incorporation contains significant transfer restrictions in relation to the transfer of WMIH’s common stock and any other instruments treated as stock for purposes of Section 382 (including the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock).  These transfer restrictions have been adopted in order to minimize the likelihood that we will be deemed to have an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 that could limit our ability to utilize WMIH’s NOLs under and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the IRS.

In particular, without the approval of our Board, (i) no person or group of persons treated as a single entity under Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-3 will be permitted to acquire, whether directly or indirectly, and whether in one transaction or a series of related transactions, any of WMIH’s common stock or any other instrument treated as stock for purposes of Section 382, to the extent that after giving effect to such purported acquisition (a) the purported acquirer or any other person by reason of the purported acquirer’s acquisition would become a Substantial Holder (as defined below), or (b) the percentage stock ownership of a person that, prior to giving effect to the purported acquisition, is already a Substantial Holder would be increased; and (ii) no Substantial Holder may dispose, directly or indirectly, of any class of stock or any other instrument treated as stock for purposes of Section 382.  A “Substantial Holder” is a person that owns (as determined for purposes of Section 382) at least 4.75% of the total value of our stock, including any instrument treated as stock for purposes of Section 382.

Because of the complexity of applying Section 382, and because the determination of ownership for purposes of Section 382 does not correspond to SEC beneficial ownership reporting on Schedules 13D and 13G, holders and potential acquirers of WMIH securities should consult with their legal and tax advisors prior to making any acquisition or disposition of WMIH securities.  Pursuant to Article VIII of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board has the sole power to determine compliance with the transfer restrictions and we cannot assure you that the Board will concur with any conclusions reached by any holder of WMIH securities or their respective advisors, and/or approve or ratify any proposed acquisitions or dispositions of WMIH securities.  Under Article VIII, Section 3(b), of the Certificate of Incorporation, if the Board determines that a Prohibited Transfer (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) has occurred, such Prohibited Transfer shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be void ab initio and have no legal effect, and upon written demand by WMIH, the Purported Transferee (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) shall disgorge or cause to be disgorged WMIH securities, together with any dividends or distributions received, with respect to such securities.

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Despite WMIH’s common stock being listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”), an active market for its common stock may not be sustained, and the market price of its common stock may be volatile.

Despite WMIH’s common stock being listed on Nasdaq, we cannot assure you as to (a) whether or not WMIH’s common stock will remain in compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements or whether a public trading market for WMIH’s common stock can be sustained, (b) the liquidity of any public trading market, (c) the ability of WMIH shareholders to sell their shares of common stock, or (d) the price that WMIH shareholders may obtain for their shares of WMIH’s common stock.  The market price for shares of WMIH’s common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. We cannot predict how the shares of WMIH’s common stock will trade in the future. Some of the factors that could affect the share price of WMIH’s common stock include: (i) our ability to consummate the Nationstar Transaction, or if the Nationstar Transaction does not close, our ability to consummate another Qualified Acquisition; (ii) the financial results of Nationstar; (iii) our financial condition; (iv) actual or anticipated variations in our operating results; (v) publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts; (vi) additions or departures of key management personnel; (vii) proposed or adopted regulatory or tax law changes or developments; (viii) speculations reported in the press or investment community; (ix) issuances of new equity pursuant to future offerings; (x) general market and economic conditions; and (xi) any required redemption or repurchase of our Series B Preferred Stock. In some cases, U.S. stock markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices for some issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. A significant decline in our stock price could result in substantial losses for individual stockholders.

WMIH’s common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq. If we do not comply with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, these shares may be delisted from Nasdaq, which would likely result in WMIH’s shares being traded on the OTC Markets OTCQB electronic quotation system (or the lesser tier OTC Pink), and negatively affect the liquidity and trading prices of WMIH’s common stock.

WMIH’s common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq. In order to maintain eligibility for continued listing on Nasdaq, WMIH must fulfill certain minimum listing requirements, including specified financial and corporate governance criteria.  Although currently in compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements, WMIH was not, until recently, in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. While WMIH regained compliance with the minimum bid price rules on February 27, 2018, there can be no assurance that WMIH can maintain such minimum listing requirements, and in the event that WMIH cannot, such failure would likely result in WMIH’s shares being traded on the OTC Markets OTCQB electronic quotation system (or the lesser tier OTC Pink).  If WMIH is not able to maintain the listing of its common stock on Nasdaq, WMIH could face material adverse consequences, including:

Anti-takeover provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) and under Delaware law, as well as certain existing contractual arrangements, make a third-party acquisition of WMIH difficult.

WMIH’s Certificate of Incorporation, including Article VIII thereof, and Bylaws, as well as certain contractual arrangements with KKR and Nationstar, contain provisions that make it difficult for a third party to acquire WMIH, even if doing so might be deemed beneficial by WMIH’s stockholders. These provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of WMIH’s common stock. WMIH is also subject to certain provisions of Delaware law that could delay, deter or prevent a change in control of WMIH. See “—Until July 5, 2019, we are required to obtain prior consent from KKR Wand Holdings Corporation (“KKR Wand”) to enter into any definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition.” and “—Risk Factors Relating to the Pending Nationstar Transaction—The Merger Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to take certain action which would otherwise be permitted and which our stockholders may consider desirable.”

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We may sell additional shares of WMIH’s common stock or other securities, or amend outstanding WMIH securities, including the Series B Preferred Stock, in the future to meet WMIH’s capital requirements. In such circumstances, the ownership interests of WMIH’s stockholders prior to such sale could be substantially diluted.

WMIH has 3,500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance. As of February 28, 2018, WMIH had 206,714,132 shares of its common stock issued and outstanding. The possibility of dilution posed by shares available for future sale could reduce the market price of WMIH’s common stock and could make it more difficult for WMIH to raise funds through equity offerings in the future.  In fact, WMIH has consummated two corporate financing transactions that are, on an as-converted basis, dilutive to stockholders. Specifically, effective January 30, 2014, WMIH issued 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which may be converted into 10,065,629 shares of WMIH’s common stock, and Warrants to purchase 61,400,000 shares of WMIH’s common stock. Also, on January 5, 2015, WMIH issued 600,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock that were initially convertible, upon a Qualified Acquisition, into as much as 342,857,143 shares of WMIH’s common stock. As a result of the Series B Amendment, effective as of January 5, 2018, the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock were amended to change the conversion price to a fixed conversion price of $1.35 per share of common stock and provide for a special distribution of 19.04762 shares per Series B share upon any Acquisition as well as to change the dividend rate to a 5.00% semi-annual payment in shares of common stock. Accordingly, the number of shares of WMIH common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock increased to 444,444,444. In addition, the Series B Amendment entitles the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock to special distributions of up to 11,428,572 shares of WMIH’s common stock in connection with Acquisitions as well as up to 64,285,714 shares of WMIH’s common stock in the form of regular dividends.

The value of WMIH’s common stock, and our ability to raise capital in the financial markets at times and at prices favorable to us, may be materially and adversely affected by the future sale of additional shares of WMIH’s common stock or other securities, the future amendment of outstanding WMIH securities, including the Series B Preferred Stock, or the perception that either of the foregoing could occur or become necessary, and by the terms and conditions of the Series B Preferred Stock, which is senior in priority to WMIH’s common stock.  See “Risks Related to the Series B Preferred Stock.”

The redemption or repurchase of our Series B Preferred Stock may have a material adverse effect on holders of WMIH’s common stock.

We currently have limited business operations and assets.  If we are obligated to redeem or repurchase some or all of our Series B Preferred Stock on the Series B Redemption Date because we have not completed an Acquisition or Qualified Acquisition prior to such date, it is likely that our business and financial prospects will be adversely affected and the holders of WMIH’s common stock are likely to lose a significant part or all of their investment. While we would expect to seek alternative financing under those circumstances, any such alternative financing could cause an ownership change and there can be no assurance such financing would be available at terms we would determine to be acceptable, or at all.

Risks Related to the Series B Preferred Stock

The Series B Preferred Stock ranks junior to all of our indebtedness and other liabilities.

In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding-up, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the Series B Preferred Stock only after all of our indebtedness and other liabilities have been paid. The rights of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock to participate in the distribution of our assets will rank pari passu with our Series A Preferred Stock and any parity stock we issue in the future. In addition, we are a holding company and the Series B Preferred Stock effectively ranks junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries and any capital stock of our subsidiaries not held by us. The rights of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock to participate in the distribution of assets of our subsidiaries ranks junior to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors and any other equity holders. Consequently, if we are forced to liquidate our assets to pay our creditors, we may not have sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding. We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial amounts of additional debt and other obligations that will rank senior to the Series B Preferred Stock.

We are subject to restrictions on the redemption or repurchase of the Series B Preferred Stock.

Under our Certificate of Incorporation, we will be obligated to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock (if not previously converted) on the Series B Redemption Date, and to repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock tendered for repurchase upon certain events. However, we may be unable to redeem or repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock due to restrictions under applicable law or contractual restrictions.

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Delaware law provides that a redemption or repurchase payment on capital stock may only be paid from “surplus” or, if there is no “surplus,” from the corporation’s net profits for the then-current or the preceding fiscal year. Unless we operate profitably, our ability to redeem or repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock would require the availability of adequate “surplus,” which is defined as the excess, if any, of our net assets (total assets less total liabilities) over our capital. Since the Effective Date, we have often not achieved profitability, and when profitable, did not achieve significant profitability. We do not expect to achieve significant profits in the future unless we consummate an Acquisition.

We may also enter into debt or other agreements in the future that may restrict us from redeeming or repurchasing the Series B Preferred Stock.

Further, even if we are permitted under our contractual obligations and Delaware law, as applicable, to redeem or repurchase the shares of Series B Preferred Stock, we may not have sufficient cash to do so. See “—We may not have sufficient funds to redeem or repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock.”

We may not be able to consummate an Acquisition or a Qualified Acquisition prior to the Series B Redemption Date.

If we are unable to consummate the Nationstar Transaction, there can be no assurances that we will be able to timely identify and/or consummate an alternative Acquisition or a Qualified Acquisition due to inability to find an appropriate target company or companies, an inability to obtain appropriate financing, an inability to agree to the terms of an acquisition(s) or for any other reason prior to the Series B Redemption Date. Additionally, the Letter Agreement, subject to certain conditions and until July 5, 2019, requires WMIH to obtain prior written consent from KKR Wand before entering into a definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition. In the event that the Nationstar Transaction is not consummated, we anticipate that the assessment of each specific target business, and the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents and other instruments relevant to the acquisition of any such target business, will require substantial time and attention on the part of our management and substantial costs for advisors including accountants, attorneys and others. If we do not consummate the Nationstar Transaction and we decide not to complete an alternative Acquisition or Qualified Acquisition that is being pursued, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Also, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target business, we may fail to complete our initial business combination for any number of reasons, including those beyond our control. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred which could materially and adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business.

Furthermore, under those circumstances, we expect to encounter intense competition from other entities, some having a business objective similar to ours, including private investors (which may be investment partnerships or individuals) and other entities, domestic and international, competing for the types of businesses we may consider for acquisition. Many of these potential competitors are well-established, have extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing services to various industries and possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources or more local industry knowledge than we do. Our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses may be limited by our available resources compared to those of competing bidders and may give others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of such target businesses. Furthermore, because we are required to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock (if not previously converted) on the Series B Redemption Date if we have not consummated the Nationstar Transaction or an alternative Qualified Acquisition (as the case may be), we may be at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination.

The Series B Preferred Stock is not convertible at the option of holders.

All or a portion of the Series B Preferred Stock automatically converts into WMIH’s common stock upon a Qualified Acquisition or an Acquisition, as the case may be at a fixed $1.35 conversion price even if such conversion is unfavorable because WMIH’s common stock is trading below the conversion price. The closing of the Nationstar Transaction will constitute a Qualified Acquisition and result in the mandatory conversion of all of the Series B Preferred Stock.  

The price of WMIH’s common stock, and the Series B Preferred Stock, may fluctuate significantly, which may make it difficult for a holder to resell the Series B Preferred Stock or WMIH’s common stock issuable upon mandatory conversion thereof at such times as or at prices a holder may find attractive.

The market price of WMIH’s common stock may continue to fluctuate due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, financial markets in general (including the stock market) have, of late, experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company.  These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of WMIH’s common stock. Because the Series B Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into shares of WMIH’s common stock upon the consummation of an Acquisition or a Qualified Acquisition, volatility or depressed prices for WMIH’s common stock could have a similar effect on the trading price of the Series B Preferred Stock. Holders who have received shares of WMIH’s common stock upon mandatory conversion of their shares of Series B Preferred Stock could also be subject to the risk of volatility and depressed prices.  

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In addition, the market price of WMIH’s common stock could also be affected by possible sales of WMIH’s common stock by investors who view the Series B Preferred Stock as a more attractive means of equity participation in us and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may develop involving WMIH’s common stock. The hedging or arbitrage could, in turn, affect the trading price of the Series B Preferred Stock or any WMIH common stock that holders receive upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock.

The conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock may not be adjusted for all dilutive events that may adversely affect the market price of the Series B Preferred Stock or WMIH’s common stock issuable upon mandatory conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock.

The number of shares of WMIH’s common stock that holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive upon mandatory conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment for certain specified events, including, but not limited to, stock splits, stock recombinations, or tender or exchange offers for common stock of WMIH (which events are more limited than customary for convertible securities because the holders of Series B Preferred Stock participate in dividends on WMIH’s common stock on an as converted basis). However, other events, which may adversely affect the market price of WMIH’s common stock, may not result in any adjustment, such as the issuance of WMIH’s common stock in an acquisition or for cash. Further, if any of these other events adversely affects the market price of WMIH’s common stock, we expect it to also adversely affect the market price of our Series B Preferred Stock. In addition, the terms of our Series B Preferred Stock do not restrict our ability to offer WMIH’s common stock or securities convertible into WMIH’s common stock in the future or to engage in other transactions that could dilute WMIH’s common stock. We have no obligation to consider the interests of the holders of our Series B Preferred Stock in engaging in any such offering or transaction. See “—Risk Factors Relating to the Pending Nationstar Transaction—The Merger Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to take certain action which would otherwise be permitted and which our stockholders may consider desirable” for information on restrictions on certain actions by WMIH under the Merger Agreement.

We may issue additional series of preferred stock that rank equally to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend payments and liquidation preference.

Neither our Certificate of Incorporation nor the terms governing the Series B Preferred Stock prohibits us from issuing additional series of preferred stock that would rank equally to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend payments and liquidation preference. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that we have the authority to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, including the 600,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and the 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock currently issued. The issuances of other series of preferred stock could have the effect of reducing the amounts available to the Series B Preferred Stock in the event of our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution. See “—Risk Factors Relating to the Pending Nationstar Transaction—The Merger Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to take certain action which would otherwise be permitted and which our stockholders may consider desirable” for information on restrictions on certain actions by WMIH under the Merger Agreement.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have limited rights with respect to the shares of WMIH’s common stock they are entitled to receive in connection with a mandatory conversion, a special distribution or a regular dividend until the Series B Preferred Stock is converted, a special distribution is made, or regular dividends are declared, but may be adversely affected by certain changes made with respect to WMIH’s common stock.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have limited rights with respect to the shares of WMIH’s common stock they are entitled to receive in connection with a mandatory conversion, a special distribution or a regular dividend, including limited voting rights, and no rights to respond to tender offers for the common stock by virtue of holding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, prior to the issuance of shares of WMIH’s common stock upon such mandatory conversion, a special distribution or a regular dividend, if any, but an investment in our Series B Preferred Stock may be negatively affected by these events. Upon a mandatory conversion, special distribution or regular dividend, a holder of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of WMIH’s common stock only as to matters for which the relevant record date occurs on or after the applicable mandatory conversion date.

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We may not have sufficient funds to redeem or repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock.

We are required to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock (if not previously converted) on the Series B Redemption Date (i.e. October 5, 2019) in the event we have not consummated a Qualified Acquisition; provided, if prior to the Series B Redemption Date we have publicly announced that WMIH has entered into a definitive agreement for an Acquisition, the Series B Redemption Date will be extended to the earlier of April 5, 2020 and the day immediately following the date such definitive agreement is terminated or the date such Acquisition is closed. The aggregate redemption cost, assuming all 600,000 shares remain outstanding, of all of the Series B Preferred Stock is $600.0 million, plus shares of WMIH’s common stock in respect of any accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, whether or not declared. In addition, we are required to offer to repurchase (if not previously converted) the Series B Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control (as such term is defined in Article VI of the Certificate of Incorporation). However, we may not have sufficient funds, and we may be unable to obtain additional financing, to make such a redemption or repurchase as required, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company and the value of our capital stock.  This risk is increased by the fact that we (i) have very limited operations, (ii) in the past have not generated significant cash flows, (iii) may use net proceeds that have been deposited into the escrow account in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock Financing to explore and fund, in whole or in part, Acquisitions whether completed or not, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses, accounting expenses, due diligence, termination fees and other contractual obligations related to the transaction, and financial advisor fees and expenses, and (iv) may consummate one or more Acquisitions that do not constitute a Qualified Acquisition (and accordingly may use net proceeds that have been deposited into the escrow account), which may cause us to have insufficient funds to redeem or repurchase the remaining outstanding Series B Preferred Stock as required. The Company will periodically assess our ability to redeem or repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock. If the Company determines that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued or available to be issued, due to our inability to redeem or repurchase the Series B Preferred Stock, and we are unable to demonstrate our ability to refinance or obtain access to additional funding, our auditors could issue a going concern qualification to our financial statements.  A “going concern” opinion could impair our ability to finance our operations through the sale of equity, incurrence of debt or other financing alternatives and could have a material adverse effect on the Company and the value of our capital stock.

We may not have sufficient earnings and profits in order for dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock to be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Cash dividends and other non-cash distributions treated as distributions under Sections 305(b) or 305(c) of the Code payable by us on the Series B Preferred Stock may exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If that occurs, it will result in the amount of the dividends that exceed such earnings and profits being treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes first as a return of capital to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Series B Preferred Stock, and the excess, if any, over such adjusted tax basis as capital gain. Such treatment will generally be unfavorable for corporate holders and may also be unfavorable to certain other holders.

Stock dividends with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock may be treated as taxable dividends under Sections 305(b) or 305(c) of the Code.

A stock distribution made by a corporation to its shareholders is generally a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 305(a) of the Code, except as provided in Sections 305(b) and 305(c) of the Code. WMIH believes that distributions of stock with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock should be treated, under Section 305(a) of the Code, as a nontaxable distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. There can be no assurance that this position will not be challenged successfully by an applicable taxing authority, or significantly modified by new legislation, changes in an applicable taxing authority’s positions or court decisions.

If such a stock dividend is treated as a distribution described in either Section 305(b) or 305(c) of the Code, then the receipt of such stock dividend would be treated as a taxable dividend in an amount equal to the lesser of the fair market value of such stock dividend and the holder’s allocable share of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Any excess would be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of such holder’s adjusted basis in its Series B Preferred Stock and then as capital gain.

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Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may be subject to tax if we make or fail to make certain adjustments to the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock even though a holder of Series B Preferred Stock does not receive a corresponding cash distribution.

The conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. If the conversion price is adjusted as a result of a distribution that is taxable to WMIH’s common stockholders, a holder of Series B Preferred Stock may be deemed to have received a dividend subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits without the receipt of any cash. In addition, a failure to adjust (or to adjust adequately) the conversion price after an event that increases a Series B Preferred Stockholder’s proportionate interest in us could be treated as a deemed taxable dividend to such holder. If a holder of Series B Preferred Stock is a non-U.S. holder, any deemed dividend may be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty, which may be set off against subsequent payments on the Series B Preferred Stock. A non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of Series B Preferred Stock or WMIH’s common stock received in respect thereof (other than a partnership or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that is not a U.S. holder.

Affiliates of KKR own a substantial amount of equity interests in us, and have other substantial interests in us and agreements with us, including an approval right with respect to Acquisitions, and may have conflicts of interest with us or the other holders of our capital stock.

As of February 28, 2018, affiliates of KKR held shares of WMIH stock representing approximately 24% of WMIH’s voting power on an as-converted basis. Affiliates of KKR are parties to the Investment Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement (as such terms are defined in Note 8: Financing Arrangements to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Furthermore, the Letter Agreement, subject to certain conditions and until July 5, 2019, requires WMIH to obtain prior written consent from KKR Wand, an affiliate of KKR, before entering into a definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition.

As a result, affiliates of KKR may have substantial influence over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction, including with respect to any Acquisition, and may have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of stockholders regardless of whether other holders of our capital stock believe that any such transactions are in their own best interests. For example, affiliates of KKR could potentially cause us to refrain from making acquisitions in a manner that is not in the best interests of other holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, whether or not such acquisitions are in the best interests of holders of WMIH’s common stock. KKR will not provide oversight of or have control over or be involved with the investment activities or other operations of the Company.

Neither KKR nor its director appointees are required to present us with investment opportunities and may pursue them separately or otherwise compete with us.

Our management team, with support from KKR personnel, are focused on closing the Nationstar Transaction. Nevertheless, if we are unable to consummate the Nationstar Transaction, neither KKR nor its director appointees are obligated to present us with alternative investment opportunities.  Moreover, each of KKR, its officers and its directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have, additional fiduciary or contractual obligations to another entity pursuant to which KKR, such officer or such director is required to present an acquisition opportunity to such entity. Accordingly, if any of KKR, its officers or its directors becomes aware of an acquisition opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then current fiduciary or contractual obligations, it, he or she will honor its, his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such acquisition opportunity to such other entity, and only present it to us if such entity rejects the opportunity. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that we renounce our interest or expectancy in any corporate opportunity in which KKR or its director appointees seek to participate unless such opportunity (i) was first presented to KKR’s director appointees solely in their capacity as directors of WMIH or (ii) is identified by KKR or its director appointees solely through the disclosure of information by or on behalf of us.  We will not be prohibited from pursuing an investment opportunity with respect to which we have renounced our interest or expectancy.

Additionally, KKR is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us or that compete with us for acquisitions. KKR may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. In addition, KKR’s interest in its portfolio companies could impact our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities.

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Other than under specific circumstances, KKR is not our investment advisor and owes no fiduciary duty to us or to holders of WMIH’s common stock, Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock.

WMIH engaged KKR Capital Markets as a financial advisor in connection with the Nationstar Transaction, including the placement of certain debt securities to be issued in connection with closing that transaction. Apart from providing WMIH with specific financial advisory services in connection with the Nationstar Transaction, KKR is not our investment adviser and otherwise has no advisory, fiduciary or similar relationship with us or with holders of WMIH’s common stock or Series B Preferred Stock.  KKR is not our sponsor, and the Company is not an investment product offered by KKR.  KKR has no obligations (contractual, fiduciary or otherwise) to us, disclaims having any liability for our performance, investments or activities, and will not be responsible for any action or inaction of our management.

Under Delaware law, we can amend Article VI of the Certificate of Incorporation, which governs the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, without the consent of the common stockholders as long as we obtain the consent of holders of at least a majority of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

Under Delaware law, Article VI of the Certificate of Incorporation, which governs the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, can be amended without the consent of the common stockholders if WMIH receives the consent of holders of at least a majority of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Therefore, a holder of Series B Preferred Stock will be governed by the terms as they may be amended from time to time even if such holder does not approve such amendment to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock. See “—Risk Factors Relating to the Pending Nationstar Transaction—The Merger Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to take certain action which would otherwise be permitted and which our stockholders may consider desirable” for information on restrictions on certain actions by WMIH under the Merger Agreement.

Risks Related to WMMRC’s Business

General economic conditions that negatively affect housing prices may negatively affect the credit performance of WMMRC’s underlying portfolio of mortgage loans and could continue to have an adverse effect on our future performance.

There can be no assurances that recent improvement in the housing and credit markets will continue or improve. Prolonged high unemployment or deterioration in the housing markets could negatively impact the performance of WMMRC’s underlying mortgage assets leading to a potential increase in defaults and losses.

The negative financial performance of the primary mortgage insurers with whom WMMRC does business may negatively affect our financial performance and results.

One or more of the primary mortgage insurers with whom we do business may be vulnerable to adverse market conditions and because of that uncertainty there can be no assurances that such insurers can withstand the market and financial pressures they may face from time to time. In fact, at least one counterparty is currently operating subject to state supervision. These factors could have negative consequences for WMMRC’s cash flows and WMMRC’s ability to pay dividends to WMIH in the future.

WMMRC is dependent on primary mortgage insurers to provide it with services. A disruption in the provision of such services could negatively affect WMMRC’s operations and financial performance.

WMMRC depends upon our primary mortgage insurers to provide us with several services, including providing us with the monthly cession statements that provides the basis for our accounting and financial records, information regarding applicable minimum capital thresholds, the establishment of ceded loss reserves, the payment of ceded premium (i.e., revenue) and the withdrawal of funds for paid losses. If our counterparties are unable to provide such services or if such services are otherwise interrupted or modified as a result of actions beyond our control (e.g., the placement of a counterparty into receivership or conservatorship), then such actions may be detrimental to our future financial performance.

Because loss reserve estimates are subject to uncertainties and are based on assumptions that are volatile, ceded paid losses may be substantially different from our ceded loss reserves.

The establishment of loss reserves is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that is inherently uncertain. In addition, establishing such loss reserves requires management to make various assumptions and judgments based on a variety of factors, including frequency of losses, severity of losses and timing of losses. As a result, WMMRC periodically monitors and adjusts its assumptions based on actual loan performance information, market indicators and other factors. Nevertheless, factors outside of WMMRC’s control, such as the overall performance of the economy, volatile housing prices, public policy considerations and borrower behavior all influence its assumptions and are subject to considerable change over time.

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Loan loss mitigation efforts (including efforts to modify loans, effect short sales, loan rescissions and claim denials) by the firms servicing our underlying reinsured mortgage loans may not be effective.

WMMRC relies on the servicers of the mortgage loans to provide surveillance, loss mitigation and salvage efforts to ensure that the mortgage loans it reinsures are serviced according to the appropriate guidelines and significant efforts are made to ensure a beneficial outcome. Nevertheless, there can be no assurances that such efforts will be successful or have any effect on the ultimate ability of a borrower to satisfy such borrower’s obligations under a mortgage WMMRC has reinsured.

Low interest rates can negatively affect WMMRC’s financial performance.

A low interest rate environment can negatively affect WMMRC’s financial performance. Low interest rates provide an opportunity for generally well-qualified borrowers to refinance their mortgage loans. This typically results in a cancelation of the mortgage insurance policy applicable to such loans and terminates any ceded future premiums we would expect from those loans. As a result, the portfolio of mortgage loans WMMRC reinsures could experience a larger percentage in the number of borrowers who are less creditworthy. Additionally, a low-interest rate environment generally results in lower yields on WMMRC’s investment portfolio, as maturing investments are generally reinvested at lower yields thereby reducing investment income.

WMMRC is subject to comprehensive regulations, including minimum capital standards, which are subject to change and may harm our business.

WMMRC is domiciled in the State of Hawaii and is subject to the rules and regulations as promulgated by the State of Hawaii and its Insurance Division, its primary state regulator. Foremost among those rules and regulations are minimum capital standards. Management believes that as of December 31, 2017, WMMRC satisfied such minimum capital standards and other applicable rules and regulations. Nevertheless, there can be no assurances of WMMRC’s future ability to meet those standards, or as they may be revised.

In addition, WMMRC’s business may be affected by legislative or regulatory reforms of the U.S. housing finance system, as well as the application of certain public or private sector programs designed to assist homeowners avoid foreclosure. In each case, these reforms and programs could change the economic behavior of either the mortgage insurance policyholders or the mortgage insurance companies to the detriment of WMMRC. Following the severe financial dislocations of 2008, new, sweeping rules and regulations were promulgated by federal, state and local regulatory authorities, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). Because WMMRC is currently operating its business in runoff mode, it has not, to date, needed to materially change any of its business practices in response to various regulatory initiatives, including the Dodd-Frank Act. Nevertheless, there can be no assurances that WMMRC will not be required to undertake changes to its business practices in the future in response to one or more regulatory initiatives.

In addition, WMMRC’s reinsurance counterparties with active underwriting and other businesses have disclosed heightened regulatory oversight of their operations, including by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and we cannot predict the extent to which such heightened scrutiny may affect how those counterparties do business with WMMRC. Likewise, neither WMMRC nor its counterparties can predict the full impact various regulatory initiatives currently pending or being considered may have on their respective businesses or operations.

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Risk Factors Relating to the Pending Nationstar Transaction

Completion of the Nationstar Transaction is subject to a number of conditions and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the Merger will not be completed as contemplated.

The obligations of WMIH and Nationstar to complete the Nationstar Transaction are subject to satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including, among others (i) the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the holders of a majority of Nationstar’s outstanding common stock; (ii) the approval of the issuance of shares of WMIH Common Stock by a majority of all votes cast by holders of outstanding shares of WMIH Common Stock and preferred stock (voting on an as-converted basis in accordance with WMIH’s Certificate of Incorporation); (iii) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended; (iv) obtaining required regulatory approvals as specified in the schedules to the Merger Agreement without the imposition of a condition that would have a material adverse effect on the combined surviving company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, following the Merger (“Burdensome Condition”); (v) the effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the Merger; (vi) the approval for listing the WMIH Common Stock issuable in the Merger on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, subject to official notice of issuance; (vii) there being no law or injunction prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement; (viii) subject to specified materiality standards, the continuing accuracy of certain representations and warranties of each party; and (ix) performance by each party in all material respects with its covenants. The receipt of a tax opinion from WMIH’s tax advisor that there should not have been an “ownership change” (within the meaning of Section 382(g) of the Internal Revenue Code) since March 19, 2012, and the Merger, taken together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and occurring on the closing date, should not result in such an ownership change, is a condition to the obligations of Nationstar to consummate the Merger. The closing of the Merger is not subject to a financing condition.  There can be no assurance that the conditions to closing of the Nationstar Transaction will be satisfied or waived, or that the Merger will be completed.

In particular, completion of the Nationstar Transaction is conditioned upon the expiration or early termination of the waiting periods relating to the Merger under the HSR Act and obtaining the required governmental authorizations, including the requisite approval from the various federal and state agencies regulating the mortgage industry, having been obtained and being in full force and effect. Although WMIH and Nationstar have agreed in the Merger Agreement to use their reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to make certain governmental filings or obtain the required governmental authorizations, as the case may be, there can be no assurance that the relevant waiting periods will expire or that the relevant authorizations will be obtained. In addition, the governmental authorities with or from which these authorizations are required have broad discretion in administering the governing regulations. As a condition to authorization of the Merger or related transactions, these governmental authorities may impose requirements, limitations or costs or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of the combined surviving company’s business after completion of the Merger. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying completion of the Merger or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of the combined company following the Merger, or will not otherwise be considered a Burdensome Condition.  There can be no assurance that the conditions to closing of the Nationstar Transaction will be satisfied, and we can provide no assurance that these conditions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the Merger.

The Merger Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to take certain action which would otherwise be permitted and which our stockholders may consider desirable.  

Until the earlier of the consummation of the Merger or termination of the Merger Agreement, we and our subsidiaries are required to conduct our business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices since December 31, 2015.  We have agreed not to, subject to limited exceptions, among other things: (i) pay dividends, split or issue securities, purchase or redeem our securities, other than payment of the semi-annual 5.00% dividend to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock; (ii) amend our Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws; (iii) issue, pledge, sell or otherwise encumber to any lien of any shares of our securities or amend the terms or rights of any of our securities; (iv) make any acquisitions which would reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or impair the consummation of the Merger; (v) enter any new businesses; (vi) make any loans or advances; (vii) amend any of our material agreements; (viii) incur any indebtedness; (ix) modify any severance or termination pay benefits or increase any compensation arrangements; and  (x) permit any Transfers under Section 2(a) of Article VIII of our Certificate of Incorporation.

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Failure to complete the Nationstar Transaction as contemplated could negatively impact the Company’s ability to consummate a Qualified Transaction, WMIH’s common stock price and the future business and financial results of WMIH.  

If for any reason the Merger is not completed as contemplated or the closing of the Merger is significantly delayed, the business and results of operations of WMIH and/or the combined company would likely be adversely affected.

If the Merger Agreement is terminated, we may be obligated to pay Nationstar a cash termination fee, which could range from approximately $29.4 million to $125.0 million, depending on the circumstances surrounding termination.  In the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated because the WMIH stockholders do not approve the share issuance in connection with the Merger, WMIH will have to pay Nationstar’s expenses of approximately $29.4 million, and if WMIH enters into an agreement for or completes an acquisition in the subsequent 12 months, we will owe Nationstar additional amounts up to a total of $65.0 million.  Payment of such large amounts of cash would deplete a significant portion of WMIH’s escrowed proceeds from the offering of Series B Preferred Stock, which would adversely affect our ability to consummate a Qualified Acquisition.  WMIH could also be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the Merger or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against WMIH to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement.

Further, failure to consummate the Nationstar Transaction could cause negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on WMIH’s Common Stock price.  Upon the announcement of the Merger, WMIH’s closing stock price increased above the $1.00 trading price for the requisite period and WMIH regained compliance with Nasdaq continued listing requirements.  In the event the Merger is not completed, WMIH’s Common Stock price could be adversely impacted and WMIH may fail to continue to satisfy continued listing requirements.

WMIH has incurred and will continue to incur substantial costs in connection with the proposed Merger. These costs are primarily associated with the fees of attorneys, accountants and financial advisors. In addition, WMIH has diverted significant management resources in an effort to complete the Merger, which would otherwise have been devoted to the pursuit of other transaction opportunities, day-to-day operations and other opportunities that may have been beneficial to WMIH.  WMIH is also subject to restrictions contained in the Merger Agreement on the conduct of the Company’s business during the pendency of the Merger. Such restrictions, the waiver of which is subject to the consent of Nationstar (in certain cases, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), prevent WMIH from making Acquisitions, taking certain other specified actions or otherwise pursuing business opportunities during the pendency of the Merger. If the Merger is not completed, the Company will have received little or no benefit in respect of such costs incurred or opportunities forgone.

If the Merger is not completed as contemplated, these risks may materialize and may adversely affect WMIH’s prospects, businesses, financial condition, financial results and stock prices.  

The Merger Agreement limits our ability to pursue alternatives to the Nationstar Transaction and in certain circumstances could require us to pay substantial termination or other fees which would reduce our cash position and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and could impair our ability to consummate an alternative Qualified Acquisition.

While the Merger Agreement contains provisions that prohibit both WMIH and Nationstar from soliciting proposals relating to alternative business combination transactions while the Merger is pending, we are further prohibited from responding to unsolicited proposals while Nationstar is permitted to entertain unsolicited offers, in certain circumstances. In the event that prior to the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the Nationstar stockholders, Nationstar receives an unsolicited superior proposal, the Nationstar board of directors may in certain circumstances exercise their fiduciary out and withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify its recommendation that Nationstar’s stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement, subject to complying with notice and other specified conditions, including giving WMIH the opportunity to propose revisions to the Merger Agreement for a four-day period following notice.  If the Nationstar board of directors withdraws or changes their recommendation in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement in favor of a superior proposal and either party terminates the Merger Agreement in connection therewith, Nationstar must promptly pay WMIH a $65 million termination fee.  Even though in this instance we would receive a $65.0 million termination fee, such fee would be used to offset the substantial expenses that WMIH has already incurred in connection with the Nationstar Transaction, and the passage of time could impair our ability to consummate an alternative Qualified Acquisition prior to the Series B Redemption Date.  

Our Board may only change its recommendation that its stockholders approve the Merger in the limited case of an unforeseeable event (not related to an acquisition proposal) that was not known or reasonably foreseeable to the Board.  Should the WMIH Board make the determination that such an intervening event has occurred, WMIH shall notify Nationstar and the parties shall have four business days to negotiate in good faith (should Nationstar desire to negotiate) regarding any revisions to the terms of the Merger based on such intervening event.  If our Board chooses to change its recommendation to the stockholders at such time, Nationstar has the right to terminate the Merger Agreement and we would be required to pay a $65.0 million termination fee to Nationstar.  

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Further, if we are unable to obtain the requisite approval of our stockholders, either party may terminate the Merger Agreement.  In such case, we would be obligated to pay Nationstar $29.4 million for their expenses.  If we enter into an agreement for or consummate a business combination within the twelve months after such termination, we would be obligated to pay Nationstar (a) in the event that such transaction relates to a proposition that was made to us or by us after the date of the Merger Agreement and before the termination of the Merger Agreement (whether or not such proposal was withdrawn), a fee of $65.0 million less any portion of the Nationstar expenses that may have previously been paid by us or (b) in the event that such transaction does not relate to such a prior proposal, an additional fee of approximately $18.6 million, in each case within two business days.  

The payment of any termination fees by us would reduce the escrowed proceeds from the Series B Preferred Stock Financing and could impair our ability to consummate an Acquisition or a Qualified Acquisition.

Certain of our executive officers and directors have interests in the Merger that may be different from your interests as a stockholder.

The interests of some of our directors and executive officers may be different from those of our common stockholders and directors and officers may be participants in agreements or arrangements that provide them with interests in the Merger, including financial interests, that may be different from, or are in addition to, those of our other common stockholders.  These interests include but not are not limited to:

The issuance of WMIH’s common stock to Nationstar shareholders under the Merger Agreement will be dilutive to WMIH shareholders

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, it is expected that WMIH will issue approximately 400.7 million shares of WMIH common stock to Nationstar shareholders at the closing of the Merger, which will reduce the ownership by WMIH shareholders in the combined company to approximately 64%.

WMIH may not be able to obtain its preferred form of financing to consummate the Merger, and the terms of the financing may be less favorable to WMIH than expected, depending on market conditions (although subject to committed terms).

There is no financing condition under the Merger Agreement, which means that if the conditions to closing are otherwise satisfied or waived, WMIH is obligated to consummate the Merger whether or not it has sufficient funds to pay the consideration under the Merger Agreement. WMIH currently intends to use escrowed funds and also finance a portion of the cash portion of the Merger consideration, repay and redeem certain outstanding indebtedness of Nationstar and its subsidiaries and pay related fees and expenses in connection with the Merger using a combination of proceeds from the issuance of debt securities (or, to extent such debt securities are not issued, borrowings under a high-yield bridge credit facility), borrowings under a 364-day credit facility, and cash on hand. Although WMIH has obtained $2.75 billion in debt commitments from certain lenders in connection with its financing plan, such commitment is subject to a number of conditions and WMIH cannot provide any assurances that it will be able to close the financing as anticipated. In addition, although the debt commitment letter for the financing specifies a number of terms for the different facilities, WMIH retains some exposure to changes in pricing and other terms based on market conditions at the time the financing is consummated, which could result in less favorable terms for the financing than expected (although subject to committed terms). If terms for the debt financing are less favorable than expected, financing costs could increase, potentially significantly, and WMIH’s financing or operating flexibility may be constrained. If WMIH cannot close on any element of its financing plan, it will need to pursue other financing options, which may result in less favorable financing terms that could increase costs and/or materially adversely affect the credit rating or financing and operating flexibility of the combined company.

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Any legal proceedings or governmental inquiries in connection with the Nationstar Transaction, the outcomes of which are uncertain, could delay or prevent the completion of the Nationstar Transaction.

In connection with the Nationstar Transaction, plaintiffs may file lawsuits against WMIH or Nationstar and/or the directors and officers of either company. In addition, either company may face inquiries from governmental entities in connection with the Nationstar Transaction. The outcome of such litigation or governmental inquiry is uncertain. Such legal proceedings or governmental inquiries could also prevent or delay the completion of the Nationstar Transaction and result in additional costs to us.  One of the conditions to completion of the Merger is the absence of any injunctions or laws that prevents, makes illegal or prohibits the consummating the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, if a plaintiff is successful in obtaining a judgment prohibiting completion of the Nationstar Transaction, then such judgment may prevent the Nationstar Transaction from being completed, or from being completed within the expected time frame.

None.

Our corporate headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington. We lease office space for our Company personnel.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company was not a party to, or aware of, any pending legal proceedings or investigations requiring disclosure at this time.

Not applicable.

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PART II

Market Information

Since September 28, 2015, WMIH’s common stock has traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the trading symbol “WMIH.” From the Effective Date until September 25, 2015, WMIH’s common stock was quoted on the over-the-counter market under the symbol “WMIH.”

The following table shows the range of reported high and low daily closing prices for WMIH’s common stock for each full quarterly period during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, from The Nasdaq Capital Market exchange.  

On February 28, 2018, the price of WMIH’s common stock traded on Nasdaq ranged from a high of $1.31 per share to a low of $1.23 per share.

Holders

As of February 28, 2018, there were approximately 7,669 stockholders of record of WMIH’s common stock. This does not reflect holders who beneficially own WMIH’s common stock held in nominee or street name.

Dividends

We have not declared or paid any dividends on WMIH’s common stock since the Effective Date. So long as any share of Series B Preferred Stock remains outstanding, no dividend shall be paid on WMIH’s common stock unless and until all accrued and unpaid regular dividends on all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock have been declared and paid in full. Except for stock dividend payments on the Series B Preferred Stock, we do not anticipate paying any dividends on WMIH’s capital stock at this time or for the foreseeable future. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. See also “Dividend Policy” under Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 8: Financing Arrangements, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

On March 19, 2012, WMIH issued 200,000,000 shares of its common stock.  The Company relied on Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code to exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act the issuance of the new securities.

On October 18, 2012, WMIH issued a total of 1,156,078 restricted shares of its common stock under the Company’s 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) to outside directors. On August 13, 2013, 686,273 restricted shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued under the 2012 Plan to outside directors. The restricted shares vest in three equal installments commencing on the date of grant over a three year period (subject to continued service as a director through each vesting date and subject to certain stock ownership guidelines in which the director must at all times during service on the Board hold shares of WMIH’s common stock equal to 50% of the aggregate number of shares awarded to the director as director compensation and that have vested, and such shares may not be sold without the prior approval of the Compensation Committee). Effective February 10, 2014, we increased the number of shares reserved and available for awards under our 2012 Plan from 2.0 million to 3.0 million shares of WMIH’s common stock and issued 250,000 restricted shares to members of our Corporate Strategy and Development Committee and Michael Willingham, the current Chairman of the Board’s Audit Committee and former Chairman of the Board. On June 4, 2014, 250,894 restricted shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued under the 2012 Plan to our outside directors.  Effective February 25, 2015, we increased the number of shares authorized and available for awards under the 2012 Plan from 3.0 million to 12.0 million shares of WMIH’s common stock, subject to approval of stockholders of WMIH, which approval was subsequently received on April 28, 2015 at our annual meeting. On April 28, 2015, 269,234 restricted shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued under the 2012 Plan to outside directors. On May 15, 2015, WMIH issued a total of 3,555,556 restricted shares (1,777,778 restricted stock grants each) to William C. Gallagher and Thomas L. Fairfield under the 2012 Plan. On June 1, 2016, 212,765 restricted shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued under the 2012 Plan to outside directors. On June 1, 2017, 333,332 restricted shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued under the 2012 Plan to outside directors. We issued these shares relying on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder.

1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and warrants to purchase 61,400,000 shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued effective January 30, 2014, in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder.

In connection with the Series B Preferred Stock Financing, 600,000 shares of Original Series B Preferred Stock were issued effective January 5, 2015 in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder.  As more fully described in Note 15: Subsequent Events, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, on December 11, 2017, we announced an amendment of the Original Series B Preferred Stock, which amendment became automatically effective at 12:00 a.m., New York City time, on January 5, 2018, and effected an exchange of the previously outstanding Original Series B Preferred Stock for shares of Series B Preferred Stock.  The Series B Preferred Stock that has been issued as a result of the Series B Amendment is in reliance upon an exemption from registration provided under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

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Performance Graph

The following graph shows the cumulative total stockholder return for WMIH’s common stock during the period from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017. The chart also shows the cumulative returns of (a) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”) and (b) an index of two peer companies selected by the Company. The peer group is comprised of the following companies: MGIC Investment Corporation and Radian Group Inc. This peer group index will be subject to occasional change as WMIH or its competitors change their focus, merge or are acquired, undergo significant changes, or as new competitors emerge. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on the Effective Date, in WMIH’s common stock and in each of the indices shown and assumes that all dividends were reinvested.

The comparisons are required by the SEC and, therefore, are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of WMIH’s common stock.  

Tax Attribute Preservation Provision

In order to preserve valuable tax attributes following emergence from bankruptcy, restrictions are included in our Certificate of Incorporation on transfers of WMIH’s common stock. Until the Restriction Release Date (as defined in our Certificate of Incorporation), unless approved by our Board, any attempted transfer of WMIH’s common stock is prohibited and void to the extent that, as a result of such transfer (or any series of transfers) either (i) any person or group of persons shall become a “Substantial Holder” of WMIH (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation); or (ii) the ownership interest of any Substantial Holder shall be increased. Additionally, until the Restriction Release Date, Substantial Holders cannot dispose of WMIH’s common stock without the consent of our Board.

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The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and our financial condition as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data and as otherwise indicated).

References as used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, to (i) the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to WMIH Corp. (formerly WMI Holdings Corp.) and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; (ii) “WMIH” refers only to WMIH Corp., without regard to its subsidiaries; (iii) “WMIHC” refers only to WMI Holdings Corp., without regard to its subsidiaries; (iv) “WMMRC” refers to WM Mortgage Reinsurance Company, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH); and (v) “WMIIC” refers to WMI Investment Corp. (formerly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH).

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER STATEMENTS

As discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, actual results may differ materially from the results contemplated by forward-looking statements. We are not undertaking any obligation to update forward-looking statements or other statements we may make in the following discussion or elsewhere in this document, even though these statements may be affected by events or circumstances occurring after the forward-looking statements were made. Therefore, you should not rely on these statements being current as of any time other than the time at which this document was filed with the SEC.

OVERVIEW

Our Business Strategy and Operating Environment

WMIH Corp. (“WMIH”) is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.  On May 11, 2015, WMIH merged with its parent corporation, WMI Holdings Corp., a Washington corporation (“WMIHC”), with WMIH as the surviving corporation in the merger. This transaction occurred as part of the reincorporation of WMIHC from the State of Washington to the State of Delaware effective May 11, 2015.

WMIH, formerly known as WMI Holdings Corp. (“WMIHC”) and Washington Mutual, Inc. (“WMI”), is the direct parent of WM Mortgage Reinsurance Company, Inc. (“WMMRC”) and, until its dissolution on January 18, 2017, as more fully described in Item 1 under “WMIIC” of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Note 15: Subsequent Events, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, WMI Investment Corp. (“WMIIC”), which had no operations, assets or liabilities since we emerged from bankruptcy. Since emergence from bankruptcy on March 19, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), we have had limited operations other than WMMRC’s legacy reinsurance business, which is being operated in runoff mode. We continue to operate WMMRC’s business in runoff mode, and our primary strategic objective has been to identify and consummate one or more acquisitions of an operating business, either through a merger, purchase, business combination or other form of acquisition, and grow our business.

We have sought to identify and evaluate acquisition opportunities of varying sizes across an array of industries for the purpose of facilitating an acquisition of one or more operating businesses.  WMIH has worked with our strategic partner, an affiliate of KKR & Co. LP, to identify, consider and evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, business combinations and other strategic opportunities.  During the year ended December 31, 2017, we focused primarily on acquisition targets in the financial services industry, including companies with consumer finance, commercial finance, specialty finance, leasing and insurance operations.  

On February 12, 2018, WMIH, Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation that is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “NSM” (“Nationstar”), and Wand Merger Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into Nationstar (the “Nationstar Transaction” or the “Merger”), with Nationstar continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH. The Merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of WMIH and Nationstar. The Merger is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

With respect to our current operations, the Company operates a single business through its subsidiary, WMMRC, whose sole activity is the reinsurance of mortgage insurance policies. WMMRC has been operated in runoff mode since September 26, 2008. Since that date, WMMRC has not underwritten any new policies (and by extension any new risk). WMMRC, through predecessor companies, began reinsuring risks in 1997 and continued reinsuring risks through September 25, 2008.

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All of WMMRC’s reinsurance agreements are on an excess of loss basis, except for a certain reinsurance treaty with Genworth Mortgage Insurance Corporation entered into during 2007, which is reinsured on a 50% quota share basis. Pursuant to the excess of loss reinsurance treaties, WMMRC reinsures a second loss layer which ranges from 5% to 10% of the risk in force in excess of the primary mortgage insurer’s first loss percentages which range from 4% to 5%. Each calendar year, or book year, is treated separately from other years when calculating losses. In return for accepting a portion of the risk, WMMRC receives, net of ceding commission, a percentage of the premium that ranges from 25% to 40%.

WMMRC commuted three reinsurance agreements in 2009, 2012, and 2014, respectively, and the related trust assets were distributed in accordance with the commutation agreements. On October 23, 2017, WMMRC’s reinsurance agreement with Radian Guaranty Incorporated was commuted and the related trust assets were released to WMMRC.  As of December 31, 2017, WMMRC had three remaining reinsurance agreements.  On February 2, 2018, the reinsurance agreement between WMMRC and Republic Mortgage Insurance Company was terminated in accordance with its terms.  See Note 15: Subsequent Events to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We also may seek opportunities to commute one or more of WMMRC’s remaining reinsurance agreements, with a view toward accelerating the distribution of capital in excess of the amounts needed to pay claims.

Our Financial Information

The financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been derived from our consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We believe that the critical accounting policies set forth in the accompanying consolidated financial statements describe the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies pertain to premium revenues and risk transfer, valuation of investments, loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, our values under fresh start accounting, the resulting loss contract reserve and the valuation of the derivative instrument relating to the embedded conversion feature of the Series B Preferred Stock. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying judgments or estimates used by management in the application of these accounting policies, there could be a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Recently issued accounting standards and their impact on the Company have been presented under “New Accounting Pronouncements” within Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Segments

The Company manages its business on the basis of one operating segment, mortgage reinsurance, in accordance with GAAP. Within the mortgage reinsurance segment, our current risks arise solely from the reinsurance of mortgage insurance policies that were placed on certain residential mortgage loans prior to bankruptcy of WMI. The majority of these policies were required by mortgage lenders as a stipulation to approve the mortgage loans. The mortgage insurance policies protect the beneficiaries of the policy from all or a portion of default-related losses.

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Overview of Revenues and Expenses

Because WMIH has no current significant operations of its own, its cash flow is derived almost entirely from earnings on its investment portfolio, and payments it receives from, and dividends paid by, WMMRC. All dividends received by WMIH from WMMRC that constitute Runoff Proceeds, historically, were required to be paid to holders of WMIH’s Second Lien Notes in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Indenture as described below in this Item 7 under “Redeemed Notes.” As of September 29, 2017, the Second Lien Notes were fully redeemed by the Company and the Second Lien Indenture was satisfied and discharged. As a result, all funds that were formerly deemed to be Runoff Proceeds under the Second Lien Indenture and therefore required to be used for payment on the Runoff Notes will now be available for general corporate purposes upon distribution by WMMRC to WMIH. 

WMMRC’s revenues consist primarily of the following:

WMMRC’s expenses consist primarily of the following:

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Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we reported a net operating loss of $2.5 million. This result compares to net operating income of $0.1 million and a net operating loss of $15.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  

For the year ended December 31, 2017 we reported net income attributable to common and participating stockholders of $7.8 million. This result compares to net income attributable to common and participating stockholders of $183.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and to net loss attributable to common and participating stockholders of $79.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This $175.9 million negative change and $263.3 million positive change in financial results when comparing the year ended 2017 to 2016, and the year ended 2016 to 2015, respectively, is primarily due to the change in fair market value of an embedded derivative.  The embedded derivative was recorded as a result of the variable conversion feature in our Original Series B Preferred Stock and the change in fair market value is reflected as the other income or expense item “change in fair value of derivative embedded conversion feature” which resulted in $28.2 million of other income, $201.5 million of other income and $54.6 million of other expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The net impact on the financial results from the change in fair value of the embedded derivative over the three years ended December 31, 2017 it has existed was net other income of  $175.1 million which also increased equity through retained earnings. The fair market value of the embedded derivative was determined to be $108.9 million at December 31, 2017, however, as a result of the amendment of the Original Series B Preferred Stock, the embedded derivative was determined, due to modification, to no longer exist and the December 31, 2017 fair market value of $108.9 million was reclassified as a reduction of equity.  The net impact to equity between 2015 and 2017 from the embedded derivative is therefore an increase of $66.2 million which was the original fair market value recorded in 2015 at the time of issuance of the Original Series B Preferred Stock. The embedded derivative impact was solely attributable to changes in fair value of the derivative embedded conversion feature and were non-cash items. Fluctuations in the price of WMIH’s common stock directly impacted the fair value of the derivative instrument. The fair value of this derivative instrument was analyzed in each reporting period. Any change in fair value of the embedded conversion feature impacted other income or expense, as the case may be, in the applicable reporting period.  In the future, as a result of the Series B Amendment, there will be no change to the fair value of this derivative instrument as, due to modification, it was determined to no longer exist and was reclassified to equity. For additional details on the derivative embedded conversion feature, see Note 9: Capital Stock and Derivative Instruments, Note 13: Fair Value Measurement and Note 15: Subsequent Events to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The dividends related to the Original Series B Preferred Stock totaled $18.1 million, $18.0 million and $17.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Over the last three years, WMMRC has experienced decreased revenues due to various factors, including operating in runoff mode, commutations of certain reinsurance agreements, and general economic conditions, which has been partially offset by increases in investment income. We expect this trend to continue. The primary changes that gave rise to a net operating loss in the year ended December 31, 2017, net operating income in the year ended December 31, 2016 and a net operating loss in the year ended December 31, 2015, included a significant increase in the benefit from changes in the value of our loss contract reserve and a significant decrease in general and administrative costs during the year ended December 31, 2016, when compared to the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015, as described below.  In addition, interest expense has decreased when comparing the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 due to the payoff of our First Lien Notes and Second Lien Notes. As a result of fresh start accounting we recorded reserves for loss contracts and premium deficiency reserves relative to WMMRC.  The impact of the release of the loss contract reserve provided a significant portion of the improvement in our operating results during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  The impact of the release of the premium deficiency reserves is significant in that it results in reduced underwriting expenses.   Such reduction in underwriting expenses is primarily a result of improvements in general economic conditions and, specifically, improvements in the overall real estate market. These improvements resulted in lower than expected incurred losses by WMMRC. The components that gave rise to a net operating loss in the year ended December 31, 2017, net operating income in the year ended December 31, 2016 and a net operating loss in the year ended December 31, 2015, are described in the tables below under the Net Income (Loss) section.

Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $7.9 million compared to $5.4 million and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The change in revenues, including the $2.5 million increase between 2017 and 2016 and the $0.6 million revenue decrease between 2016 and 2015, are largely attributable to managing the operations of WMMRC in runoff mode offset by increased investment income. The premium revenue reduction has been offset by an increase in investment income of $4.4 million and $1.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In addition, because WMMRC is operating in runoff mode, we expect premiums earned revenue to continue to decrease, as no new business is being undertaken.

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WMIH received other income in the amount of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $7.8 million, respectively, in the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as a result of the settlement by the Trust of the D&O Litigation and distribution, by the Trust, of litigation proceeds to WMIH, which is further described in Note 6: Service Agreements and Related Party Transactions, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in this Item 7 under “Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies.”  Due to the contingent nature of any further distribution of litigation proceeds by the Trust, there can be no assurance that WMIH will receive any distributions on account of litigation proceeds from the Trust in the future, as described further below in this Item 7 under “Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies.”

Underwriting expenses (defined as losses, loss adjustment expenses and ceding commission expenses) totaled $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in a negative change of $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, compared to underwriting recoveries of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.  These changes in recoveries and expense are related to the operation of WMMRC in runoff mode and the corresponding decrease in premium earned revenue and change in premium deficiency reserves. The premium deficiency reserve remained unchanged during the year ended December 31, 2017 and decreased by $0.5 million and $1.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The premium deficiency reserve was approximately $2.3 million as of December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  As more fully described in Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, due to the current condition of the mortgage insurance market, WMMRC has recorded reserves based on ceded case reserves and incurred but not recorded (“IBNR”) loss levels reported by the primary mortgage guaranty carriers as of each reporting period. Management believes that its aggregate liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at period end represents its best estimate, based upon the available data, of the amount necessary to cover the current cost of losses.

As of December 31, 2017, the loss contract reserve was analyzed and determined to have a value of zero compared to $5.6 million and $9.6 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.   The loss contract reserve was established at a value of $63.1 million on March 19, 2012 as a result of our reorganization. The decrease in the loss contract reserve during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $5.6 million, $4.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease in expense of the same amount during the respective periods.  The loss contract reserve is expected to remain at zero due to the runoff nature of WMMRC and the earlier than projected timing of assets being released from trust accounts held at WMMRC.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, our investment portfolio reported net investment income of $6.7 million, as compared to net investment income of $2.2 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The components of the investment income are more fully described below in the Net Investment Income section. The primary variances occurred due to changes in the interest rate environment, including improved short-term returns.

General and Administrative Expenses

For the year ended December 31, 2017, our general and administrative expenses totaled $14.5 million, compared to $7.0 million and $20.9 million during the same periods in 2016 and 2015, respectively. We experienced elevated amounts of general and administrative expenses in 2017 and 2015, as compared to the same periods in 2016. The 2017 increased costs were primarily due to fees and expenses incurred in connection with our efforts to amend the Original Series B Preferred Stock and the evaluation of several potential acquisition opportunities.  The 2015 increase was primarily the result of our efforts to evaluate, structure, negotiate and finance an acquisition which was not completed, satisfy the Original Series B Preferred Stock post-closing covenants, including our reincorporation from Washington to Delaware, make effective a resale registration statement on Form S-3 and list WMIH’s shares of common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

Interest Expense

For the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we incurred $1.8 million, $2.6 million and $3.7 million of total interest expense, respectively, all of which was payable on the outstanding principal amount of the Runoff Notes. The amount of runoff interest expense continued to decrease each year, as expected, due to the fact that the outstanding Runoff Notes were reduced each year.  The First Lien Notes were fully redeemed on April 15, 2015, and the Second Lien Notes were fully redeemed on September 29, 2017. The Indentures pertaining to these Notes were satisfied and discharged.

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Gain (Loss) on Change in Fair Value of Derivative

The fair value of the derivative embedded conversion feature was revalued each reportable balance sheet date with the decrease or increase, as the case may be, in fair value being reported in the consolidated statements of operations as gain or (loss) on change in fair value of derivative embedded conversion feature. The primary factors affecting the fair value of the embedded conversion feature were the probability of a Qualified Acquisition occurring and the timing related thereto; our stock price; and our stock price volatility. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, the fair value of the derivative asset decreased by a total of $80.7 million due to a reclassification of the final December 31, 2017 fair market value of $108.9 million to equity, due to its modification, and the fair market value change of $28.2 million being recorded as other income. The fair market value of the embedded derivative on January 5, 2015, the date the Original Series B Preferred Stock was issued, totaled $66.2 million.  This amount reduced the carrying value of the Original Series B Preferred Stock and continues to reduce the recorded value. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the fair value increased by $201.5 million resulting in a gain and the derivate liability becoming a derivative asset.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, the fair value of the derivative liability increased by $54.6 million resulting in the recognition of a loss of the same amount.  

Net Income (Loss)

Net operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $2.5 million compared to net operating income of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and a net operating loss of $15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we reported net income attributable to common and participating stockholders of $7.8 million. This result compares to $183.7 million of net income attributable to common and participating stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2016 and to net loss attributable to common and participating stockholders of $79.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The primary factors impacting the change in net operating (loss) income and net income (loss) attributable to common and participating stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, are summarized in the tables below.

Year ended December 31, 2017 versus year ended December 31, 2016 summary of change in net operating (loss) income and net income (loss) attributable to common and participating stockholders (in thousands):

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Year ended December 31, 2016 versus year ended December 31, 2015 summary of change in net operating income (loss) and net income (loss) attributable to common and participating stockholders (in thousands):

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has no comprehensive income (loss) other than the net income (loss) disclosed in the consolidated statements of operations.

Net Premiums Earned

The majority of WMMRC’s reinsurance contracts require premiums to be written and earned monthly. In a few cases, the premiums earned reflect the pro rata inclusion into income of premiums written over the life of the reinsurance contracts. Details of premiums earned are provided in the following table:

For the year ended December 31, 2017, premiums earned totaled $1.2 million, a decrease of $1.9 million and $3.9 million when compared to premiums earned of $3.1 million and $5.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The primary factors contributing to these decreased premiums relate to WMMRC continuing to operate in runoff mode. The Company’s premiums earned are expected to continue to decrease due to WMMRC operating in runoff mode. To the extent WMMRC effects a commutation of one or more of its remaining reinsurance agreements, it would no longer earn net premiums on commuted reinsurance agreements.

Losses or Benefits Incurred and Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses incurred include losses paid and changes in loss reserves, including reserves for IBNR, premium deficiency reserves net of actual and estimated loss recoverable amounts. Details of net losses or benefits incurred for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, are provided in the following table:

We establish reserves for each contract based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses including losses incurred but not reported. These estimated ultimate reserves are based on reports received from ceding companies, industry data and historical experience as well as our own actuarial estimates. Quarterly, we review these estimates on a contract by contract basis and adjust as we deem necessary based on updated information and our internal actuarial estimates.

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For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the loss or benefit ratios for our business were a loss ratio of 2% and benefit ratios of 21% and 22%, respectively. The loss or benefit ratio is calculated by dividing incurred benefit or losses for the period by earned premiums. The ratio provides a measure of underwriting profit or loss. Loss reinsurance contracts (which represent the significant majority of our loss exposure) are generally structured with limits set on the aggregate amount of losses that can be incurred over the life of such contract. Upon reaching such limits, no additional losses may be realized under the terms of the contract. Nevertheless, even when applicable contract limits are reached, revenues from premiums collected continue to be ceded for the remaining life of the contract. Beginning in 2013, a majority of WMMRC’s reinsurance arrangements for the 2006 through 2008 book years reached their respective loss limits. As a result, WMMRC does not expect to incur any additional losses for those book years; however, WMMRC may continue to realize revenues from those book years, to the extent premiums are ceded therefrom.

The components of the liability for losses and loss adjustment reserves are as follows at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively:

Losses and loss adjustment reserve activity are as follows for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively:

Net Investment Income

A summary of our net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, is as follows:

Federal Income Taxes

The Company has no current tax liability due as a result of its tax loss position for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. More detailed information regarding the Company’s tax position including net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards is provided in Note 5: Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Pursuant to a tax sharing agreement, WMMRC’s federal income tax liability is calculated on a separate return basis determined by applying the current tax rate to taxable income, in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) that apply to mortgage insurance companies. WMIH, as WMMRC’s parent, pays federal income taxes on behalf of WMMRC and settles the federal income tax obligation on a current basis in accordance with the tax sharing agreement. WMMRC made no tax payments to WMIH during the periods ending December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 associated with the Company’s tax liability from the preceding years.

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Deferred federal income taxes arise from temporary differences between the valuation of assets and liabilities as determined for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes. Temporary differences principally relate to discounting of loss reserves, recognition of unearned premiums, changes in the value of loss contract reserves and embedded derivatives, net operating losses, and unrealized gains and losses on investments.

We believe WMIH experienced an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code in connection with the bankruptcy plan becoming effective. Prior to emergence from bankruptcy, WMI abandoned the stock of Washington Mutual Bank, thereby generating a worthless stock deduction of approximately $8.4 billion, which gives rise to a NOL carry forward for the year ended December 31, 2012. We believe that the total available and utilizable NOL carry forward at December 31, 2017 was approximately $6.0 billion, and at December 31, 2017, we believe that there was no limit under Section 382 of the Code on the use of these NOLs. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred federal income tax asset due to uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to realize these benefits in the future.

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which reforms U.S. Tax legislation and related laws. One of the provisions of the new tax law reduces the Company’s U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Our deferred tax assets, although fully reserved, have been revalued at the lower rate as of December 31, 2017, resulting in a reduction of the deferred tax asset of $842.9 million and a corresponding change in the related valuation allowance. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the new tax law on its financial condition and results of operations.

Investments

General

We hold investments at both WMIH and WMMRC and the two portfolios consist entirely of fixed income instruments, excluding funds in overnight money market instruments, totaling $3.7 million and $76.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In addition, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company held zero and $0.4 million of restricted cash, respectively, in the Collateral Account established by the Company as required under the Indentures for the benefit of holders of Runoff Notes. The Company held $578.9 million and $572.9 million of restricted cash from the Series B Preferred Stock Financing in its escrow account at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The value of the consolidated Company’s total cash and investments decreased during the past year.  Cash and investments, which excludes restricted cash of $578.9 million and $573.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, totaled $34.6 million and $81.5 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The primary factors that contributed to this decrease in investments were (i) the payment of a total of $18.0 million in Original Series B Preferred Stock cash dividends during the 2017 fiscal year; and (ii) the payment of $18.8 million to fully redeem the Second Lien Runoff Notes.

We work with investment broker dealers and, in the case of WMMRC, collateral trustees, in determining whether a market for a financial instrument is active or inactive. We regularly obtain indicative pricing from market makers and from multiple dealers and compare the level of pricing variances as a way to observe market liquidity for certain investment securities. We also obtain trade history and live market quotations from publicly quoted sources, such as Bloomberg, for trade volume and frequency observation. While we obtain market pricing information from broker dealers, the ultimate fair value of our investments is based on portfolio statements provided by financial institutions that hold our accounts.

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we transferred $2.4 million and $11.0 million, respectively, of corporate securities that mature within 12 months from Level 2 to Level 1, due to improved liquidity in capital markets for those securities. Please refer to Note 4: Investment Securities, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our investment securities.

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WMIH

WMIH’s investments are valued at fair value and any unrealized gains or losses are reflected in net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations.  At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, WMIH had zero and $45.0 million, respectively, of investments in obligations of U.S. government sponsored enterprises.  WMIH also had $21.2 million and $2.1 million cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  

WMMRC

WMMRC’s investments are valued at fair value and any unrealized gains or losses are reflected in net investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2017, 42.9% of WMMRC’s cash and investments were held in three trusts for the benefit of primary mortgage insurers with whom WMMRC established agreements to reinsure private mortgage insurance risk. The total portfolio, excluding funds in overnight money market instruments, was valued at approximately $3.7 million and $31.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, 100% of the portfolio consisted of securities that will mature within the next 12 months. WMMRC also had $9.7 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

WMIH is organized as a holding company and has limited operations of its own. With respect to its own operations, WMIH’s primary cash needs in 2017 consisted of $18.0 million of cash dividends on the Original Series B Preferred Stock and general and administrative expenses and costs related to possible acquisitions and payments of principal and interest on the Runoff Notes totaling $18.8 million. The amendment of the Original Series B Preferred Stock, effective January 5, 2018, eliminated the requirement to pay cash dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock. Additionally, principal and interest payments on the “Runoff Notes” described below in this Item 7 under “Redeemed Notes” will not be an ongoing use of cash as the Runoff Notes have been paid in full.

In addition, our significant business operations are conducted through our wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiary, WMMRC, which formerly underwrote risks associated with our mortgage reinsurance programs, but is being operated in runoff and has not written any new business since September 26, 2008. There are restrictions on WMMRC’s ability to pay dividends which are described in more detail below. WMIH does not currently expect to pay dividends on its common stock.

WMMRC may seek opportunities to commute one or more of its remaining reinsurance agreements, with a view toward accelerating the distribution of trust assets in excess of the amount needed to pay claims.  There can be no assurance that any such commutations will be consummated, or if so, on what terms.

Subsequent to January 5, 2018, we are required (if and when declared by our Board) to pay cumulative regular dividends on the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock in common stock, at an annual rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. WMIH has declared and paid $18.0 million of cash dividends on its Original Series B Preferred Stock for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and paid $17.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 based on the dividend rate of 3%. Accrued dividends of approximately $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.7 million were outstanding as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

On February 12, 2018, WMIH, Nationstar and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into Nationstar, with Nationstar continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WMIH.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time of the Merger and as a result of the Merger, each share of Nationstar’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares owned, directly or indirectly, by Nationstar, WMIH or Merger Sub or by any Nationstar stockholder who properly exercises and perfects appraisal of his, her or its shares under Delaware law) will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder of such share, (i) $18.00 per share in cash, without interest, or (ii) 12.7793 shares of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of WMIH common stock, subject in each case to pro rata cutbacks to the extent cash or stock is oversubscribed (the “Merger Consideration”). The aggregate amount of cash to be paid as Merger Consideration in the Merger is approximately $1.2 billion.  The Merger is expected to close in the second half of 2018, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

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WMIH currently plans to fund the cash component of the Merger Consideration, the repayment of approximately $1.9 billion of outstanding senior unsecured notes of Nationstar and its subsidiaries, and the payment of fees and expenses related to the Merger through a combination of escrowed funds, cash on hand, proceeds from the issuance of debt securities, and borrowings under credit facilities. WMIH has obtained $2.75 billion in debt commitments from certain lenders in connection with its financing plan, which commitment is subject to customary terms and conditions. Although the debt commitment letter for the financing specifies a number of terms for the different facilities, WMIH retains some exposure to changes in pricing and other terms based on market conditions at the time the financing is consummated, which could result in less favorable terms for the financing than expected (although subject to committed terms). Upon the closing of the Nationstar Transaction, all of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock will be mandatorily converted into WMIH Common Stock at a price of $1.35 per share, and holders of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to a special, one-time distribution of WMIH Common Stock and accrued and unpaid dividends payable in WMIH Common Stock.

If we do not consummate the Nationstar Transaction or another Qualified Acquisition, or take other actions to extend the redemption date applicable to, or to refinance or modify the terms of, the Series B Preferred Stock, then we are obligated to redeem any outstanding Series B Preferred Stock on the Series B Redemption Date provided, if prior to the Series B Redemption Date we have publicly announced that WMIH has entered into a definitive agreement for an Acquisition, the Series B Redemption Date will be extended to the earlier of April 5, 2020 and the day immediately following the date such definitive agreement is terminated or the date such Acquisition is closed. All or a portion of the Series B Preferred Stock automatically converts into WMIH Common Stock upon consummation of a Qualified Acquisition or an Acquisition, as the case may be. If an Acquisition occurs but a Qualified Acquisition does not occur, we are obligated to redeem any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock that have not converted into WMIH Common Stock and remain outstanding on the Series B Redemption Date. The execution and public announcement by WMIH of the Merger Agreement has extended the Series B Redemption Date to the earlier of April 5, 2020 and the day immediately following the date the Merger Agreement is terminated or the date the Merger is closed. The aggregate redemption price that is payable in cash, assuming all 600,000 shares remain outstanding, of all of the Series B Preferred Stock is $600.0 million.  

In addition, we are required to offer to repurchase (if not previously converted) the Series B Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control (as such term is defined in Article VI of the Amended Charter).

In the event we are unable to consummate the Nationstar Transaction or another Qualified Acquisition prior to the Series B Redemption Date, the redemption or repurchase of the Series B Preferred Stock would substantially deplete our available cash for acquisitions and business operations and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and ability to continue business operations.  There can be no assurance that we will complete the Nationstar Transaction or an alternative Qualified Acquisition prior to the Series B Redemption Date.  

Other than the debt to be incurred under our financing plan relating to the Nationstar Transaction, we have no current plans to seek additional debt or equity financing prior to the closing of the Merger.  If the Nationstar Transaction is not consummated, we may in the future explore various financing alternatives to fund our external growth strategy, including improving our capital structure, which may include increasing, reducing and/or refinancing debt, amending the terms of outstanding preferred stock, pursuing capital raising activities, such as the issuance of new preferred or common equity and/or a rights offering to our existing stockholders, launching an exchange offer, and pursuing other transactions involving our outstanding securities. There can be no assurance that any such future transaction will occur or, if so, on what terms.

Liquidity Management

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure the Company has the continuing ability to maintain cash flows that are adequate to fund operations and meet obligations and other commitments on a timely and cost-effective basis. The Company establishes and maintains liquidity guidelines for WMIH as well as for WMMRC, its principal operating subsidiary. Funds held by WMMRC are not available to WMIH to satisfy its liquidity needs until any proposed dividend payment is approved by the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii. In light of the restrictions on dividends applicable to WMMRC, WMIH’s principal sources of liquidity are its unrestricted investments, income derived from these investments, and fees paid to WMIH by WMMRC with respect to services provided pursuant to the two services agreements previously approved by the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii.  WMIH has approximately $578.9 million of restricted cash held in escrow, which was received by WMIH in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock Financing. These funds are only available for Acquisitions and Qualified Acquisitions, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses, accounting expenses, due diligence, contractual payments such as termination fees and financial advisor fees and expenses. Because of the runoff nature of WMMRC’s business, as discussed above, all cash available to WMMRC is primarily used to pay reinsurance losses and loss adjustment expenses, ceding commissions and general and administrative expenses. Excess cash, if any, is distributed to WMIH as a dividend upon approval of the WMMRC board of directors and the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii.

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The Company monitors operating activities, forecasts liquidity needs and adjusts the composition of its investment securities in order to address liquidity needs. The Company historically had negative monthly cash flows primarily due to loss expenses at WMMRC, general and administrative costs, interest payable on Second Lien Notes and dividend payments on the Original Series B Preferred Stock.  As a result, the Company maintains a very high quality and short duration investment portfolio in order to match its expense and liability profile at both levels of the consolidated organization. Now that we are no longer required to pay cash dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock and instead pay dividends in our common stock, our liquidity needs have been reduced.

WMMRC has net assets totaling $13.1 million and $33.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These net assets are not immediately available for distribution to WMIH due to restrictions imposed by the trust arrangements referenced above, and the requirement that the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii must approve all dividends from WMMRC to WMIH.

Capital Structure and Management

WMIH’s capital structure consists of stockholders’ equity and Original Series B Preferred Stock proceeds held in escrow and classified as mezzanine, (non-permanent equity), as of December 31, 2017.  We issued term debt of $130.0 million represented by the Runoff Notes on the Effective Date. The First Lien Notes were redeemed in their entirety on April 15, 2015 and the First Lien Indenture was satisfied and discharged on April 27, 2015.  The Second Lien Notes were redeemed in their entirety on September 29, 2017 and the Second Lien Indenture was satisfied and discharged on October 2, 2017.

On the Effective Date, all shares of common and preferred equity securities previously issued by WMI were cancelled and extinguished. Upon reincorporation in Delaware, which is more fully described in Note 1: The Company and its Subsidiaries, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and pursuant to the Amended Charter, WMIH is authorized to issue up to 3,500,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, each with a par value of $0.00001 per share.  As of December 31, 2017, 206,714,132 shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued and outstanding, 1,000,000 shares of WMIH’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) were issued and outstanding and 600,000 shares of WMIH’s Series B Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding.

On January 30, 2014, pursuant to an Investment Agreement, WMIH issued 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for a purchase price of $11.1 million and warrants to purchase 61,400,000 shares of WMIH’s common stock, 30,700,000 of which have an exercise price of $1.32 per share and 30,700,000 of which have an exercise price of $1.43 per share. The Series A Preferred Stock has rights substantially similar to those associated with WMIH’s common stock, with the exception of a liquidation preference, conversion rights and customary anti-dilution protections. The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference equal to the greater of (i) $10.00 per one million shares of Series A Preferred Stock plus declared but unpaid dividends on such shares and (ii) the amount that the holder would be entitled to in a relevant transaction had the Series A Preferred Stock been converted to common stock of WMIH. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at a conversion price of $1.10 per share into shares of common stock of WMIH, either at the option of the holder or automatically upon transfer by KKR Fund to a non-affiliated party. As a result of the calculation of a beneficial conversion feature as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470 - Debt, a preferred deemed dividend of $9.5 million was recorded in conjunction with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock. This preferred deemed dividend resulted in an increase to our accumulated deficit, and an increase in additional paid in capital. Further, KKR Fund, as the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock and the warrants, has received other rights pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement as more fully described in Note 9: Capital Stock and Derivative Instruments, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On January 5, 2015, WMIH announced that it had completed the Series B Preferred Stock Financing of 600,000 shares of Original Series B Preferred Stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $600.0 million, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement with Citi and KCM (together the “Initial Purchasers”). In connection with the Series B Preferred Stock Financing, WMIH entered into an Escrow Agreement (as amended the “Escrow Agreement”) with Citibank, N.A., as Escrow Agent, pursuant to which WMIH caused to be deposited with the Escrow Agent the amount of $598.5 million representing the net proceeds of the Series B Preferred Stock Financing less offering fees payable on January 5, 2015, but before payment of other offering fees and expenses (including fees contingent upon future events). These net proceeds have been and will be released from escrow from time to time to WMIH as instructed by WMIH in amounts necessary to, among other things, explore and/or fund, in whole or in part, acquisitions, whether completed or not. The net proceeds in the escrow account will be released from escrow as instructed by WMIH as needed to consummate an Acquisition or Qualified Acquisition, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses, accounting expenses, due diligence, contractual payments such as termination fees and financial advisor fees and expenses.

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In connection with the Series B Preferred Stock Financing, WMIH filed with the Secretary of State of Washington Articles of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles of Amendment”) containing the Certificate of Designation creating the Original Series B Preferred Stock and designating the rights and preferences of the Original Series B Preferred Stock. Holders of shares of the Original Series B Preferred Stock were (prior to the Series B Amendment) entitled to receive, when, as and if declared, cumulative regular dividends at an annual rate of 3% per share of the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share of Original Series B Preferred Stock, payable in cash. Subsequent to the Series B Amendment, the holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared, cumulative regular dividends at an annual rate of 5% per share of the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share of Series B Preferred Stock, payable in shares of common stock of WMIH. The number of shares issued will be calculated using the higher of market price of WMIH’s common shares on the date the dividend is declared, or the minimum dividend share price of $1.05. The Series B Amendment, in addition to providing for the regular stock dividends, also: (i) extended the Series B Redemption Date (as defined in the Existing Charter) from January 5, 2018 to October 5, 2019 (subject to a six-month extension in accordance with the terms of the Series B Amendment); (ii) amended the Conversion Price (as defined in the Existing Charter) relating to a Mandatory Conversion (as defined in the Existing Charter) of the Original Series B Preferred Stock to $1.35 per share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; (iii) provided for a special distribution of 19.04762 shares of common stock per share of Series B Preferred Stock upon the closing of any Acquisition (as defined in the Amended Charter); and (iv) provided for a special stub dividend which was declared and paid by the Board of Directors in cash for dividends accruing on the Original Series B Preferred Stock payable in arrears for the period December 15, 2017 to January 4, 2018.

On each date that WMIH closes any Acquisition, outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock having an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the net proceeds of the offering utilized in such Acquisition, on a pro rata basis, will automatically convert into shares of WMIH’s common stock. In addition, on the date WMIH closes a Qualified Acquisition, all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into shares of WMIH’s common stock. Each date that WMIH closes an Acquisition (including a Qualified Acquisition) will be a “Mandatory Conversion Date.” The amount of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted at any Mandatory Conversions Date for an Acquisition which totals less than $450.0 million will be determined by converting the number of shares using the liquidation preference amount of $1,000 per share in an amount equal to the cash used in the acquisition for the purchase price and the costs related to the acquisition.  A Qualified Acquisition would result in all of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock being converted to common stock. Unless the Series B Preferred Stock has been previously repurchased at the option of a holder upon the occurrence of certain put events or mandatorily converted, WMIH will be required to redeem all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, if any, on the Series B Redemption Date which is October 5, 2019 (subject to a six-month extension in accordance with the terms of the Series B Amendment). The reincorporation of WMIH from the State of Washington to the State of Delaware resulted in the potential to increase in size of WMIH’s Board of Directors from 7 to up to 11 directors and increased WMIH’s authorized number of shares of common stock in an amount sufficient to permit the conversion of all shares of Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Reincorporation”).

The foregoing transactions pertaining to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are more fully described in Note 9: Capital Stock and Derivative Instruments, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

WMIH may, subject to market conditions, determine to incur indebtedness or raise additional equity capital in connection with undertaking one or more acquisitions.  

While WMIH is not subject to regulatory capital requirements, WMMRC is required to comply with various solvency and liquidity requirements pursuant to the insurance laws of the State of Hawaii. WMMRC is required to maintain minimum capital and surplus requirements of an amount established under applicable Hawaii law and deemed appropriate by the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii. As of December 31, 2017, management believes that WMMRC is compliant with applicable statutory solvency, liquidity and minimum capital and surplus requirements. The payment of dividends by WMMRC is subject to statutory restrictions imposed by Hawaii insurance laws and regulations and requires approval from the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii. In addition, the Second Lien Indenture prior to discharge and satisfaction on October 5, 2017, imposed restrictions on WMMRC business activities. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, WMMRC paid $20.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively, in distributions to WMIH which, prior to discharge and satisfaction of the Second Lien Indenture on October 5, 2017, were deposited into the Collateral Account (as defined below) and were distributed in accordance with the Second Lien Indenture. Subsequent to October 5, 2017, distributions from WMMRC to WMIH, were deposited directly into WMIH’s general cash accounts and are available for general corporate purposes.

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In connection with our emergence from bankruptcy on the Effective Date, a “Disputed Equity Escrow” was created for the benefit of certain holders of disputed equity interests. Such Disputed Equity Escrow was created to hold shares of WMIH’s common stock (as well as any dividends, gains or income attributable in respect of such common stock) allocable, on a pro rata basis, to each holder of such disputed equity interest if and when such interest becomes an allowed equity interest in the bankruptcy. The liquidating trustee of the Trust, William Kosturos (the “Liquidating Trustee”), acts as escrow agent with respect to the Disputed Equity Escrow. As of December 31, 2017, 1,546,294 shares of WMIH’s common stock were held in the Disputed Equity Escrow. Until such time as all of WMIH’s common stock has been distributed from the Disputed Equity Escrow as a result of all disputed equity claims becoming allowed equity interests or all disputed equity claims being disallowed in the bankruptcy, the Liquidating Trustee is vested with the authority to exercise voting or consent rights with respect to such stock; provided, however, that the Liquidating Trustee is obligated to vote or consent, as the case may be, as to such stock in the same proportion as all other holders of WMIH’s common stock have voted or consented, in each case on an issue-by-issue basis. The Trust has no right to or entitlement in any shares of WMIH’s common stock held in the Disputed Equity Escrow. Additionally, WMIH does not have any right to, or interest in, any shares of its common stock held by the Disputed Equity Escrow.

Redeemed Notes

On the Effective Date, WMIH issued $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 13% Senior First Lien Notes due 2030 (the “First Lien Notes”) under an indenture, dated as of March 19, 2012 (the “First Lien Indenture”), between WMIH and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee. In addition, WMIH issued $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 13% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2030 (the “Second Lien Notes” and, together with the First Lien Notes, the “Runoff Notes”) under an indenture, dated as of March 19, 2012, (the “Second Lien Indenture” and, together with the First Lien Indenture, the “Indentures”), between WMIH and The Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee. On January 5, 2017, we were notified by The Law Debenture Company of New York that it had completed the transfer of substantially all of its corporate trust business to Delaware Trust Company, and that Delaware Trust Company had become the successor trustee under the Second Lien Indenture. The Runoff Notes were scheduled to mature on March 19, 2030 and accrued interest quarterly. The First Lien Notes were redeemed in their entirety on April 15, 2015, and the First Lien Indenture was satisfied and discharged on April 27, 2015. The Second Lien Notes were redeemed in their entirety on September 29, 2017, and the Second Lien Indenture was satisfied and discharged on October 2, 2017.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies

WMMRC has engaged a Hawaii-based service provider, Marsh Management Services Inc., to provide accounting and related management services for its operations.  In exchange for performing these services, WMMRC pays such service provider a management fee.

On March 19, 2012, WMIH entered into an Investment Management Agreement with WMMRC. Under the terms of this agreement, WMIH receives a fee from WMMRC equal to the product of (x) the ending dollar amount of assets under management during the calendar month in question and (y) .002 divided by 12. WMIH is responsible for investing the funds of WMMRC based on applicable investment criteria and subject to rules and regulations to which WMMRC is subject. The Investment Management Agreement has been approved by the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii.

On March 19, 2012, WMIH entered into an Administrative Services Agreement with WMMRC. Under the terms of this agreement, WMIH receives from WMMRC a fee of $110 thousand per month. WMIH is responsible for providing administrative services to support, among other things, supervision, governance, financial administration and reporting, risk management, and claims management as may be necessary, together with such other general or specific administrative services that may be reasonably required or requested by WMMRC in the ordinary course of its business. The Administrative Services Agreement has been approved by the Insurance Division of the State of Hawaii.

Total amounts incurred under the Investment Management Agreement and Administration Services Agreement totaled $1.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The expense and related income eliminate on consolidation.

On March 22, 2012, WMIH and the Trust entered into a Transition Services Agreement (the “TSA”). Pursuant to the TSA, the Trust makes available certain services and employees to the Company, including the services of our Chief Legal Officer and Secretary and our Controller. The TSA provides basic infrastructure and support services to facilitate the Company’s operations. The TSA, as amended, extends the term of the agreement through June 30, 2018, with automatic renewals thereafter for successive additional three-month terms, subject to non-renewal at the end of any additional term upon written notice by either party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the additional term. For additional information on the amendment to the TSA, see Note 15: Subsequent Events, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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On or about October 14, 2014, the Trust filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court in the State of Washington against 16 former directors and officers of WMI (the “D&O Litigation”). The Trust’s complaint alleged, among other things, that the defendants named therein breached their fiduciary duties to WMI and committed corporate waste and fraud by squandering WMI’s financial resources. In connection with the settlement of the D&O Litigation, during the year ended December 31, 2015, among the Trust, certain former directors and officers of WMI and certain insurance carriers that underwrote director and officer liability insurance policies for the benefit of WMI and its affiliates (including such former directors and officers), such insurance carriers agreed to pay the Trust $37.0 million, of which $3.0 million was placed into a segregated reserve account (the “RSA Reserve”) to be administered by a third party pursuant to the terms of a Reserve Settlement Agreement (the “RSA”).

Based on elections of certain holders of claims in connection with our bankruptcy prior to the Effective Date, WMIH retained an economic interest in certain litigation proceeds, if any, recovered by the Trust, including those related to the D&O Litigation. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, WMIH had other income of $123 thousand, $123 thousand and $7.8 million, respectively, as a result of its receipt of its share of net litigation proceeds related to the D&O Litigation.  As of December 31, 2017, $1.5 million remained in the RSA Reserve. Under the RSA, funds are released from the RSA Reserve to the Trust if and when certain designated conditions are satisfied. If and when these funds are released to the Trust, and to the extent WMIH is entitled to receive such funds, it is anticipated the Trust will make payments to WMIH in an amount equal to WMIH’s share of the litigation proceeds.  Due to the contingent nature of future distributions from the RSA Reserve, there can be no assurance that WMIH will receive any distributions from the remaining balance in the RSA Reserve in the future.

As a member of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Trust, Mr. Willingham, who serves as a WMIH Board member and Chairman of the WMIH Audit Committee, participates in overseeing the prosecution of recovery claims by the Trust.

As a result of the Company’s reorganization in bankruptcy an intangible asset was identified related to reinsurance contracts which were held by WMMRC. The contracts were evaluated to determine whether the value attributable to such contracts was either above market or in a loss contract position. After taking such evaluation into consideration, a loss contract reserve totaling $63.1 million was recorded on the Effective Date. The reserve has been evaluated at each reporting date for changes to its value. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the loss contract reserve was analyzed and determined to be zero and $5.6 million, respectively. This decrease in the value of the loss contract reserve of $5.6 million, $4.0 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, resulted in corresponding decreases in expenses of the same amount. The fair market value of this reserve has been reduced to zero and is expected to remain zero in future periods. For additional information see Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As of January 30, 2014, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement, WMIH sold to KKR Fund 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, having the terms, rights, obligations and preferences contained in the Amended Charter, for a purchase price equal to $11.1 million and issued to KKR Fund warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, 61.4 million shares of WMIH’s common stock, 30.7 million of which have an exercise price of $1.32 per share and 30.7 million of which have an exercise price of $1.43 per share (together, the “Warrants”). KKR Fund’s rights as a holder of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrants, and the rights of any subsequent holder that is an affiliate of KKR Fund (together with KKR Fund, the “Holders”) are governed by the Investor Rights Agreement. The Investor Rights Agreement provides the Holders with registration rights, including three long form demand registration rights, unlimited short form demand registration rights and customary piggyback registration rights with respect to WMIH’s common stock (and WMIH’s common stock underlying the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrants), subject to certain minimum thresholds, customary blackout periods and lockups of 180 days. On July 1, 2015, WMIH filed a shelf registration statement (the “Initial Registration Statement”) covering resales of Original Series B Preferred Stock and WMIH’s common stock issuable upon mandatory conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock.  On November 23, 2015, WMIH amended the Initial Registration Statement to cover WMIH’s common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and shares of WMIH’s common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in connection with the issuance of our Series A Preferred Stock currently outstanding (as amended, the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement was declared effective under the Securities Act on November 25, 2015. On January 26, 2018, WMIH amended the Registration Statement, by means of a post-effective amendment, to deregister the Series B Preferred Stock and WMIH’s common stock issuable upon mandatory conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, and such post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement was declared effective under the Securities Act on January 29, 2018.

For as long as the Holders beneficially own any shares of common stock of WMIH or Series A Preferred Stock or any of the Warrants, WMIH has agreed to provide customary Rule 144A information rights, to provide the Holders with regular audited and unaudited financial statements and to allow the Holders or their representatives to inspect WMIH’s books and records. For further information on the Investment Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement, see Note 8: Financing Arrangements and Note 9: Capital Stock and Derivative Instruments, to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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In conjunction with the Series B Preferred Stock Financing, the Company is contractually committed to make certain fee payments if future events occur.  These fees are recorded and presented on our consolidated balance sheets as other liabilities. At December 31, 2017, the total balance of $16.3 million of other liabilities is comprised of $10.8 million of accrued fees relating to the Series B Preferred Stock Financing, an accrual for professional fees and recurring business expenses currently payable of approximately $4.7 million and $0.8 million of accrued dividends relating to the Original Series B Preferred Stock. At December 31, 2016, the total balance of $14.1 million of other liabilities is comprised of $12.3 million of accrued fees relating to the Series B Preferred Stock Financing, an accrual for professional fees and recurring business expenses currently payable of approximately $1.1 million and $0.7 million of accrued dividends relating to the Original Series B Preferred Stock.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements.

We are principally exposed to three types of market risk:

Interest Rate Risk: The Company’s fixed maturity portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these investments. As interest rates rise, the market value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio falls and the Company has the risk that cash outflows will have to be funded by selling assets, which will be trading at depreciated values. As interest rates decline, the market value of the Company’s fixed income portfolio increases and the Company has reinvestment risk, as funds reinvested will earn less than is necessary to match anticipated liabilities. We manage interest rate risk primarily by selecting investments with characteristics such as duration, and liquidity tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of our liabilities. In the case of WMMRC, the investment portfolio duration is currently under two years because a significant portion of WMMRC’s losses are expected to be paid out over the next two years.

At December 31, 2017, the impact on the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investments, including funds in overnight money market instruments, from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates (based on United States Treasury yield) would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 0.11% or approximately $36 thousand.  At December 31, 2016, the impact on the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investments from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates (based on United States Treasury yield) would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 0.59% or approximately $0.5 million.

Credit Risk: The Company’s primary credit risks result from investments in corporate bonds. We limit our credit exposure by purchasing high quality fixed income investments to maintain an average credit quality of AA- or higher for the overall investments. A1/P1 is the minimum rating at purchase for all of our short-term commercial paper positions. In addition, we have limited our exposure to any single issuer to 7.0% or less of total investments, excluding commercial paper, treasury and agency securities. Our minimum rating for investment at purchase is A3/A-. Where investments are downgraded below the minimum rating at purchase, we permit our investment managers to continue holding such securities subject to additional credit research and monitoring. At December 31, 2017, none of the portfolio was rated below A3/A-, compared to 1.9% at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2017, we did not have any exposure to non-investment grade securities; and we did not have an aggregate exposure to any single issuer of more than 7.0% of total investments, other than with respect to government securities and commercial paper.

Liquidity Risk: Certain of the Company’s investments may become illiquid. Disruption in the credit markets may materially affect the liquidity of the Company’s investments. If the Company requires significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements in a period of market illiquidity, it may be difficult to sell the investments in a timely manner and they may have to be disposed of for less than what may otherwise have been possible under other conditions. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $3.7 million of liquid investment securities, defined as corporate obligations that mature within 12 months, US treasury securities and obligations issued by US government sponsored enterprises.  $1.5 million of these securities were held in trust. Please refer to Item 7.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional information regarding our liquidity sources and management.

The information required by this Item 8 is incorporated by reference from our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1.

None

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, and Interim Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures of the Company as of December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act:

(1) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and

(2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, has been audited by BPM LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as stated in their attestation report, which is included below.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of WMIH Corp.:

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of WMIH Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company, and our report dated March 2, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ BPM LLP

San Francisco, California

March 2, 2018

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None

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PART III

The information required by this item regarding our executive officers is provided in Item 1. Business—Executive Officers of the Registrant in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by this item concerning our directors, compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act, our code of ethics and other corporate governance information is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the sections entitled “WMIH Proposals—Director Election,” and the sections entitled “Committees and Meetings of the Board,” “Code of Ethics,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “WMIH Annual Meeting Stockholder Proposals” under the heading “Other Matters Relating to the WMIH Annual Meeting” in our Proxy Statement for our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2018 Proxy Statement”).

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation for Fiscal Year 2017,” and “Report of the Compensation Committee” under the heading “Other Matters Relating to the WMIH Annual Meeting” in the 2018 Proxy Statement.

The following table contains information as of December 31, 2017, about equity securities authorized for issuance under our 2012 Plan as amended:

The 2012 Plan took effect on May 22, 2012, and will terminate on May 22, 2022. Upon termination, we will stop issuing awards under the 2012 Plan; however, the termination of the plan will not affect any outstanding awards. The adoption of the 2012 Plan did not require stockholder approval. The 2012 Plan is administered concurrently by our Compensation Committee and Board, and awards under the 2012 Plan may consist of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance stock units, performance cash awards, stock grants, stock units, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights or performance-based awards. Effective February 10, 2014, the number of shares of WMIH’s common stock available for awards pursuant to the 2012 Plan and reserved for issuance was increased from 2.0 million to 3.0 million shares.  Effective February 25, 2015, we increased the number of shares authorized and available for awards under the 2012 Plan from 3.0 million to 12.0 million shares of WMIH’s common stock, subject to approval of stockholders of WMIH, which approval was subsequently received on April 28, 2015 at our annual meeting. On June 1, 2017, 333,332 restricted shares of WMIH’s common stock were issued under the 2012 Plan to outside directors. As of December 31, 2017, 5,285,868 shares of WMIH’s common stock remain available for future issuance under the 2012 Plan.

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In the event any award granted under the 2012 Plan is forfeited, terminates or is canceled or expires, the number of shares of WMIH’s common stock subject to such award, to the extent of any such forfeiture, termination, cancellation or expiration, will thereafter be available for grant under the plan. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee or the Board, awards may be granted to WMIH’s (or WMIH’s affiliates’) employees, officers, directors, consultants and other service providers of WMIH or its affiliates. Each award must be evidenced by a written agreement between WMIH and the grantee. Restricted stock grants are subject to such restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Compensation Committee or the Board may impose. These restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, in such circumstances, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Compensation Committee or the Board determines; however, no more than 5% in the aggregate of the shares available for award may be subject to restricted stock grants with respect to which the restrictions lapse solely based on the passage of time and which vest in less than three years. Restricted stock may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of, except in limited circumstances. Subject to override by the Board, in the event of a change in control of WMIH, any time based or other restrictions imposed on restricted stock grants will lapse. For further information on our 2012 Plan, see Note 9: Capital Stock and Derivative Instruments to the consolidated financial information in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The information required by this item concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management—Stock Ownership Table” in the 2018 Proxy Statement.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the sections entitled “WMIH Proposals—Director Election,” “Other Matters Relating to the WMIH Annual Meeting—Committees and Meetings of the Board” and “Other Matters Relating to the WMIH Annual Meeting—Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the 2018 Proxy Statement.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the section entitled “Other Matters Relating to the WMIH Annual Meeting— Matters Relating to WMIH’s Auditors” in the 2018 Proxy Statement.

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PART IV

Documents filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are as follows:

1. Financial Statements:

2. Financial Statement Schedules:

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted because they either are not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3. Exhibits:

The exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index which follows. An asterisk (*) beside the exhibit number indicates the exhibits containing a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement, which are required to be identified in this report.

EXHIBIT INDEX 

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49

50

51