UWM Increases Bid for Two Harbors Amidst Acquisition Battle

Bola Sokunbi

Founder of Clever Girl Finance, providing financial education geared toward women of color.

UWM Holdings Corporation has escalated its efforts to acquire Two Harbors Investment Corp. by presenting an enhanced acquisition proposal. The revised bid offers Two Harbors shareholders $12.50 per share, which can be received either in cash or as 2.3328 shares of UWMC stock. This move aims to provide superior value compared to competing offers, while also ensuring flexibility for shareholders who might prefer equity. The company has also publicly criticized Two Harbors' board for their lack of engagement and has urged shareholders to reject the proposed merger with CrossCountry Mortgage.

The updated acquisition proposal from UWM Holdings introduces a more attractive financial package for Two Harbors Investment Corp. shareholders. Specifically, the offer of $12.50 per share surpasses the previous $12.00 per share bid from CrossCountry Mortgage. The inclusion of both cash and stock options, without any limitations on cash elections, provides shareholders with greater financial flexibility and choice in how they wish to proceed with their investments. This strategic enhancement is designed to highlight the perceived superior value of UWM's proposal.

In a strongly worded open letter, UWM Holdings expressed its dissatisfaction with the Two Harbors board's reluctance to discuss its proposals. UWM alleges that the board's support for the CrossCountry deal may be influenced by management payouts, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Despite these criticisms, UWM has indicated its willingness to consider further amendments to its offer, such as a reverse termination fee and modifications to the election mechanism, demonstrating a continued commitment to securing the acquisition. The company emphasizes its strong regulatory relationships and extensive licensing, which it believes will facilitate a quick closing of the transaction within approximately two months of an agreement.

The current offer from UWM Holdings contrasts with a prior agreement between Two Harbors and CrossCountry Mortgage. Just last week, the latter two entities amended their merger terms, increasing CrossCountry's all-cash offer to $12.00 per share. Despite this adjustment, Two Harbors' board had unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation for the CrossCountry transaction. This sets the stage for a contentious shareholder meeting scheduled for May 19, 2026, where Two Harbors shareholders will vote on the merger.

From a technical perspective, Two Harbors shares have shown robust performance, trading above their 20-day and 50-day Simple Moving Averages at $11.50 and $10.84, respectively, indicating a sustained upward trend. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 74.60 suggests that the stock is currently in overbought territory, potentially signaling a future pullback. A bullish golden cross pattern has also been observed, with the 50-day SMA crossing above the 200-day SMA. Key resistance is identified at $12.50, while $11.50 acts as a crucial support level.

Looking ahead, the upcoming earnings report, estimated for July 27, 2026, will be a significant event for the stock. Analysts project an EPS of 21 cents, down from 28 cents year-over-year, and a revenue estimate of -$7.86 million, an improvement from -$18.12 million year-over-year. The stock currently holds a 'Hold' rating with an average price forecast of $12.50, though recent analyst downgrades from JP Morgan and Compass Point indicate some shifting sentiments. At the time of publication, Two Harbors shares saw a slight increase, while UWM Holdings shares experienced a decline.

This ongoing acquisition battle underscores a dynamic period for Two Harbors Investment Corp., with UWM Holdings presenting a compelling and financially superior alternative to the CrossCountry Mortgage merger. The emphasis on shareholder value, strategic flexibility, and a swift transaction timeline positions UWM's bid as a strong contender. The outcome will largely depend on the Two Harbors shareholders' decision at the upcoming special meeting, which will undoubtedly shape the company's future trajectory and market standing.