Free Writing Prospectus STR-13
(To the Prospectus dated March 23, 2012, the Prospectus Supplement dated March 23, 2012, and the Product Supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1 dated September 23, 2013)
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Subject to Completion
Preliminary Term Sheet dated
March 14, 2014
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration Statement No. 333-180300-03
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The notes are being issued by Credit Suisse AG (“Credit Suisse”), acting through one of its branches. There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” and “Additional Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.50 and $9.80 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-14 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-14 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Unit
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Total
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Public offering price(1)
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$10.00
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$
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Underwriting discount(1)
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$ 0.20
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$
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Proceeds, before expenses, to Credit Suisse
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$ 9.80
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$
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(1)
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For any purchase of 500,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively.
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The notes:
Are Not FDIC Insured
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Are Not Bank Guaranteed
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May Lose Value
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Merrill Lynch & Co.
March , 2014
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Summary
The Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction and are not secured by collateral. The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse.
The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the closing level of each of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index (each, an “Index” and together, the “Indices”), on any Observation Date is equal to or greater than its Starting Value. If your notes are not called, you will lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes based on the performance of the Worst Performing Index (as defined below). Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on our credit risk and the performance of the Indices. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Call Amounts and Call Premiums) are based on the rate we are currently paying to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes (our “internal funding rate”) and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate for market-linked notes is typically lower than a rate reflecting the yield on our conventional debt securities of similar maturity in the secondary market (our “secondary market credit rate”). This difference in borrowing rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. These costs will be effectively borne by you as an investor in the notes, and will be retained by us and MLPF&S or any of our respective affiliates in connection with our structuring and offering of the notes. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.
On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This range of estimated values reflects terms that are not yet fixed and was determined based on our valuation of the theoretical components of the notes in accordance with our pricing models. These include a theoretical bond component valued using our internal funding rate, and theoretical individual option components valued using mid-market pricing. You will not have any interest in, or rights to, the theoretical components we use to determine the estimated value of the notes. The notes are subject to an automatic call, and the initial estimated value is based on an assumed tenor of the notes. The initial estimated value of the notes calculated on the pricing date will be set forth in the final term sheet made available to investors in the notes. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-14.
Terms of the Notes
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Payment Determination |
Issuer:
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Credit Suisse AG (“Credit Suisse”), which may act through its Nassau Branch or its London Branch.
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Automatic Call Provision:
Redemption Amount Determination:
If the notes are not called, you will receive the Redemption Amount per unit on the maturity date based on the performance of the Worst Performing Index, determined as follows:
Because the Threshold Value for each Index is equal to its Starting Value, you will lose all or a portion of your investment if the Ending Value of either Index is less than its Starting Value.
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Principal Amount:
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$10.00 per unit
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Term:
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Approximately three years, if not called on the first or second Observation Dates
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Market Measure:
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The S&P 500® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SPX”) (the “SPX”) and the EURO STOXX 50® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SX5E”) (the “SX5E”), each a price return index.
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Worst Performing Index:
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The Index with the largest percentage decrease from its Starting Value to its Ending Value.
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Automatic Call:
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The notes will be automatically called on any Observation Date if the Observation Level of each Index on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than its Call Level.
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Starting Value:
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With respect to each Index, its closing level on the pricing date.
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Ending Value:
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With respect to each Index, its closing level on the final Observation Date.
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Observation Level:
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With respect to each Index, its closing level on any Observation Date.
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Observation Dates:
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April , 2015, March , 2016, and March , 2017 (the final Observation Date), approximately one year, two years, and three years after the pricing date.
The Observation Dates are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-18 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1.
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Call Level:
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With respect to each Index, 100% of its Starting Value.
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Call Amounts (per Unit) and Call Premiums:
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[$11.30 to $11.60], representing a Call Premium of [13% to 16%] of the principal amount, if called on the first Observation Date;
[$12.60 to $13.20], representing a Call Premium of [26% to 32%] of the principal amount, if called on the second Observation Date; and
[$13.90 to $14.80], representing a Call Premium of [39% to 48%] of the principal amount, if called on the final Observation Date.
The actual Call Amounts and Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date.
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Call Settlement Dates:
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Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement as described on page PS-18 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1; provided however, that the Call Settlement Date related to the final Observation Date will be the maturity date.
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Threshold Value:
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With respect to each Index, 100% of its Starting Value.
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Fees and
Charges:
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The underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-14.
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Joint Calculation Agents:
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Credit Suisse International and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), acting jointly.
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Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-2 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
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Product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1 dated September 23, 2013:
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Prospectus supplement and prospectus dated March 23, 2012:
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These documents (together, the “Note Prospectus”) have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from MLPF&S by calling 1-866-500-5408.
Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to Credit Suisse.
Investor Considerations
You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:
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The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:
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§ You anticipate that the closing level of each Index on any of the Observation Dates will be equal to or greater than its Starting Value and, in that case, you accept an early exit from your investment.
§ You accept that the return on the notes, if any, will be limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium even if the percentage change in the level of either or both Indices is significantly greater than the applicable Call Premium.
§ If the notes are not called, you accept that your investment will result in a loss, which could be significant.
§ You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on traditional interest bearing debt securities.
§ You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Indices.
§ You are willing to accept a limited market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes.
§ You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Call Amounts and the Redemption Amount.
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§ You wish to make an investment that cannot be automatically called prior to maturity.
§ You believe that the level of either Index will decrease from its Starting Value to its Ending Value.
§ You anticipate that the Observation Level of either or both Indices will be less than its Call Level on each Observation Date.
§ You seek an uncapped return on your investment
§ You seek principal protection or preservation of capital.
§ You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.
§ You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Indices.
§ You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market.
§ You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.
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We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-3 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Examples of Hypothetical Payments
The following examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes. The actual amount you receive and the resulting return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Call Level and Observation Levels of each Index, the Call Premiums, and the term of your investment. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes. These examples are based on:
1)
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a Starting Value of 100.00 for each Index;
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2)
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a Threshold Value of 100.00 for each Index;
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3)
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a Call Level of 100.00 for each Index;
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4)
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an expected term of the notes of approximately three years if the notes are not called on the first or second Observation Dates;
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5)
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a Call Premium of 14.50% of the principal amount if the notes are called on the first Observation Date, 29.00% if called on the second Observation Date, and 43.50% if called on the final Observation Date (the midpoint of the applicable Call Premium ranges); and
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6)
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Observation Dates occurring approximately one year, two years, and three years after the pricing date.
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The hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00 for each Index used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value of either Index. For recent actual levels of the Indices, see “The Indices” section below. Each Index is a price return index and as such, its Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in that Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-4 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Notes Are Called on an Observation Date
The notes will be called at $10.00 plus the applicable Call Premium on one of the Observation Dates if the Observation Level of each Index is equal to or greater than its Call Level.
Example 1 – The Observation Level of each Index on the first Observation Date is above its Call Level. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $1.45= $11.45 per unit. After the notes are called, they will no longer remain outstanding and there will not be any further payments on the notes.
Example 2 – On the first Observation Date, although the Observation Level of the EURO STOXX 50® Index is above its Call Level, the Observation Level of the S&P 500® Index is below its Call Level. Therefore, the notes will not be called on the first Observation Date. On the second Observation Date, the Observation Level of each Index is above its Call Level. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $2.90 = $12.90 per unit. After the notes are called, they will no longer remain outstanding and there will not be any further payments on the notes.
Example 3 – On the first and second Observation Dates, although the Observation Levels of the EURO STOXX 50® Index are above its Call Level, the Observation Levels of the S&P 500® Index are below its Call Level. Therefore, the notes will not be called on the first or second Observation Date. On the third and final Observation Date, the Observation Level of each Index is above its Call Level. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $4.35 = $14.35 per unit.
Notes Are Not Called on Any Observation Date
Example 4 – The notes are not called on any Observation Date because the Observation Level of at least one Index is below its Call Level on each Observation Date (including the final Observation Date). Because the Redemption Amount will be based on the performance of the Worst Performing Index and the Ending Value of at least one Index is less than its Threshold Value, the Redemption Amount will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount. For example, if the S&P 500® Index is the Worst Performing Index and its Ending Value is 85.00, the Redemption Amount per unit will be:
![](p5.jpg)
Summary of the Hypothetical Examples
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Notes Are Called on an Observation Date
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Notes Are Not Called
on Any
Observation Date
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Example 1
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Example 2
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Example 3
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Example 4
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SPX
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SX5E
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SPX
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SX5E
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SPX
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SX5E
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SPX
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SX5E
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Starting Values
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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Call Levels
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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Threshold Values
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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100.00
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Observation Levels on the First Observation Date
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120.00
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125.00
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90.00
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105.00
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90.00
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105.00
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88.00
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105.00
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Observation Levels on the Second Observation Date
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N/A
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N/A
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120.00
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125.00
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85.00
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120.00
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78.00
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90.00
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Observation Levels on the Final Observation Date
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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135.00
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150.00
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85.00
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120.00
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Returns of the Indices
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20.00%
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25.00%
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20.00%
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25.00%
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35.00%
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50.00%
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-15.00%
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20.00%
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Return of the Notes
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14.50%
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29.00%
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43.50%
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-15.00%
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Call Amount /
Redemption Amount per Unit
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$11.45
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$12.90
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$14.35
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$8.50
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Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-5 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-6 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1 identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
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If the notes are not called, your investment will result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.
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Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.
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Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.
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Your investment return, if any, is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Indices.
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The initial estimated value of the notes is an estimate only, determined as of a particular point in time by reference to our proprietary pricing models. These pricing models consider certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date, interest rates, volatility and time to maturity of the notes, and they rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. Because our pricing models may differ from other issuers’ valuation models, and because funding rates taken into account by other issuers may vary materially from the rates used by us (even among issuers with similar creditworthiness), our estimated value may not be comparable to estimated values of similar notes of other issuers.
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Our internal funding rate for market-linked notes is typically lower than our secondary market credit rates, as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-14. Because we use our internal funding rate to determine the value of the theoretical bond component, if on the pricing date our internal funding rate is lower than our secondary market credit rates, the initial estimated value of the notes will be greater than if we had used our secondary market credit rates in valuing the notes.
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The public offering price you pay for the notes will exceed the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other transaction costs, the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge, as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-14.
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Assuming no change in market conditions or other relevant factors after the pricing date, the market value of your notes may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other things, the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge and the internal funding rate we used in pricing the notes, as further described in "Structuring the Notes" on page TS-14. These factors, together with customary bid ask spreads, other transaction costs and various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, including changes in the levels of the Indices, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways.
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A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, MLPF&S or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. MLPF&S has advised us that any repurchases by them or their affiliates will be made at prices determined by reference to their pricing models and at their discretion, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups. If you sell your notes to a dealer other than MLPF&S in a secondary market transaction, the dealer may impose its own discount or commission. MLPF&S has also advised us that, at its discretion and for your benefit, assuming no changes in market conditions from the pricing date, MLPF&S may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes for a short initial period after the issuance of the notes. That higher price reflects costs that were included in the public offering price of the notes, and that higher price may also be initially used for account statements or otherwise. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.
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Your return on the notes and the value of the notes may be affected by exchange rate movements and factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes within the Eurozone.
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Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S and our respective affiliates (including trading in shares of companies included in the Indices), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.
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Each of the Index sponsors may adjust the relevant Index in a way that affects its level, and has no obligation to consider your interests.
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You will have no rights of a holder of the securities represented by the Indices, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.
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While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Indices, except to the extent that the common stock of Bank of America Corporation (the parent company of MLPF&S) is included in the S&P 500® Index, we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Indices, and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.
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There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.
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Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-6 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
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§
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The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” below and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” beginning on page PS-26 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1.
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Additional Risk Factors
The notes are subject to the risks of each Index, not a basket comprised of the Indices, and will be negatively affected if either Index decreases from its Starting Value on each Observation Date, even if the other Index increases from its Starting Value. You are subject to the risks associated with each Index. On any Observation Date, if the Observation Level of one Index is less than its Call Level, the notes will not be called, even if the Observation Level of the other Index is greater than its Call Level. If the notes are not called, the Redemption Amount will be determined only by reference to the Worst Performing Index, regardless of the performance of the other Index. The notes are not linked to a basket composed of the Indices, where the appreciation of one Index could offset to some extent the depreciation of the other. In the case of the notes that we are offering, the individual performance of each Index would not be combined, and the depreciation of one Index would not be offset by any appreciation of the other Index.
You will not benefit in any way from the performance of the better performing Index. The return on the notes depends solely on the performance of the worst performing Index (which may or may not be the same Index on each Observation Date), and you will not benefit in any way from the performance of the better performing Index. The notes may underperform a similar investment in each of the Indices or a similar alternative investment linked to a basket composed of the Indices. In either such case, the performance of the better performing Index would be blended with the performance of the worst performing Index, resulting in a potentially better return than the Call Premium in the case of an automatic call, and a better return than the return of the Worst Performing Index if the notes are not called.
Because the notes are linked to two indices, as opposed to only one, it is more likely that the notes will not be automatically called on an Observation Date; if not called, you will lose all or a portion of your investment. With two underlying indices, it is more likely that either of the Indices will close below its Call Level on any Observation Date (and, therefore, the notes will not be automatically called) than if the notes were linked to only one of the Indices. If the notes are not called, not only will you never receive your entire principal plus a Call Premium, but your return will depend on the Ending Value of the Worst Performing Index and you will lose all or a portion, which could be significant, of your investment.
You will be subject to risks relating to the relationship between the Indices. Your return on the notes may benefit from a positive correlation, if any, between the Indices, in the sense that they tend to increase or decrease at similar times and by similar magnitudes. By investing in the notes, you assume the risk that the Indices will not exhibit this relationship. The less correlated the Indices, the more likely it is that one of the Indices will decrease below its Starting Value over the term of the notes. All that is necessary for you to lose principal is for one of the Indices to decrease below its Starting Value as of each Observation Date; in such a case, the performance of the Index that is not the worst performing Index is not relevant to your return on the notes at maturity or upon an automatic call. It is impossible to predict what the relationship between the Indices will be over the term of the notes. The S&P 500® Index represents a portion of the U.S. equity markets, while the EUROSTOXX 50® Index represents a portion of the European equity markets, and they may not perform similarly over the term of the notes.
Other Terms of the Notes
Market Measure Business Day
The provisions of this section supersede and replace the definition of “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1.
A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:
(A) with respect to the S&P 500® Index, the New York Stock Exchange and The NASDAQ Stock Market (or any successors) are open for trading, and with respect to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, the Eurex (or any successor) is open for trading; and
(B) each Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.
Market Disruption Events and Other Events
For either Index (an “Affected Index”), if (i) a Market Disruption Event occurs on an Observation Date or (ii) any scheduled Observation Date is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise (any such day in either (i) or (ii) being a “non-calculation day”), the calculation agent will determine the level of each Index for that non-calculation day, and as a result, its Observation Level, as follows:
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The closing level of the Index that is not an Affected Index will be its closing level on that non-calculation day.
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The closing level of the Index that is an Affected Index for the applicable non-calculation day will be determined in the same manner as described in the fifth and the sixth paragraphs of the section of the product supplement “Description of the Notes—Automatic Call,” provided that references in those paragraphs to “Market Measure” will be references to the Affected Index.
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Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-7 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
The Indices
All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding each Index, including, without limitation, its make up, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and STOXX Limited (“STOXX”) (each, an “Index sponsor,” and together, the “Index sponsors”). Each Index sponsor, which licenses the copyright and all other rights to the relevant Index, has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the relevant Index. The consequences of any Index sponsor discontinuing publication of the relevant Index are discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index" beginning on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1. None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Index or any successor index.
The S&P 500® Index
The S&P 500® Index is intended to provide an indication of the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the level of the S&P 500® Index is based on the relative value of the aggregate market value of the common stocks of 500 companies as of a particular time compared to the aggregate average market value of the common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941 through 1943.
The Index sponsor chooses companies for inclusion in the S&P 500® Index with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of its Stock Guide Database of over 10,000 companies, which the Index sponsor uses as an assumed model for the composition of the total market. Relevant criteria employed by the Index sponsor include the viability of the particular company, the extent to which that company represents the industry group to which it is assigned, the extent to which the market price of that company’s common stock generally is responsive to changes in the affairs of the respective industry, and the market value and trading activity of the common stock of that company. Ten main groups of companies constitute the S&P 500® Index, with the approximate percentage of the market capitalization of the S&P 500® Index included in each group as of February 28, 2014 indicated in parentheses: Consumer Discretionary (12.5%); Consumer Staples (9.5%); Energy (10.0%); Financials (15.9%); Health Care (13.7%); Industrials (10.7%); Information Technology (18.8%); Materials (3.5%); Telecommunication Services (2.5%); and Utilities (3.0%). The Index sponsor from time to time, in its sole discretion, may add companies to, or delete companies from, the S&P 500® Index to achieve the objectives stated above.
The Index sponsor calculates the S&P 500® Index by reference to the prices of the constituent stocks of the S&P 500® Index without taking account of the value of dividends paid on those stocks. As a result, the return on the notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the index constituent stocks and received the dividends paid on those stocks.
Computation of the S&P 500® Index
While the Index sponsor currently employs the following methodology to calculate the S&P 500® Index, no assurance can be given that the Index sponsor will not modify or change this methodology in a manner that may affect the Redemption Amount.
Historically, the market value of any component stock of the S&P 500® Index was calculated as the product of the market price per share and the number of then outstanding shares of such component stock. In March 2005, the Index sponsor began shifting the S&P 500® Index halfway from a market capitalization weighted formula to a float-adjusted formula, before moving the S&P 500® Index to full float adjustment on September 16, 2005. The Index sponsor’s criteria for selecting stocks for the S&P 500® Index did not change with the shift to float adjustment. However, the adjustment affects each company’s weight in the S&P 500® Index.
Under float adjustment, the share counts used in calculating the S&P 500® Index reflect only those shares that are available to investors, not all of a company’s outstanding shares. Float adjustment excludes shares that are closely held by control groups, other publicly traded companies or government agencies.
On September 21, 2012, all share-holdings with a position greater than 5% of a stock’s outstanding shares, other than holdings by “block owners,” were removed from the float for purposes of calculating the S&P 500® Index. Generally, these “control holders” will include officers and directors, private equity, venture capital and special equity firms, other publicly traded companies that hold shares for control, strategic partners, holders of restricted shares, ESOPs, employee and family trusts, foundations associated with the company, holders of unlisted share classes of stock or government entities at all levels (other than government retirement/pension funds) and any individual person who controls a 5% or greater stake in a company as reported in regulatory filings. Holdings by block owners, such as depositary banks, pension funds, mutual funds and ETF providers, 401(k) plans of the company, government retirement/pension funds, investment funds of insurance companies, asset managers and investment funds, independent foundations and savings and investment plans, will ordinarily be considered part of the float.
Treasury stock, stock options, restricted shares, equity participation units, warrants, preferred stock, convertible stock, and rights are not part of the float. Shares held in a trust to allow investors in countries outside the country of domicile (e.g., ADRs, CDIs and Canadian exchangeable shares) are normally part of the float unless those shares form a control block. If a company has more than one class of stock outstanding, shares in an unlisted or non-traded class are treated as a control block.
For each stock, an investable weight factor (“IWF”) is calculated by dividing (i) the available float shares by (ii) the total shares outstanding. As of September 21, 2012, available float shares are defined as total shares outstanding less shares held by control holders. For companies with multiple classes of stock, the Index sponsor calculates the weighted average IWF for each stock using the proportion of the total company market capitalization of each share class as weights.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-8 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
The S&P 500® Index is calculated using a base-weighted aggregate methodology. The level of the S&P 500® Index reflects the total market value of all 500 component stocks relative to the base period of the years 1941 through 1943. An indexed number is used to represent the results of this calculation in order to make the level easier to work with and track over time. The actual total market value of the component stocks during the base period of the years 1941 through 1943 has been set to an indexed level of 10. This is often indicated by the notation 1941-43 = 10. In practice, the daily calculation of the S&P 500® Index is computed by dividing the total market value of the component stocks by the “index divisor.” By itself, the index divisor is an arbitrary number. However, in the context of the calculation of the S&P 500® Index, it serves as a link to the original base period level of the S&P 500® Index. The index divisor keeps the S&P 500® Index comparable over time and is the manipulation point for all adjustments to the S&P 500® Index, which is index maintenance.
Maintenance of the S&P 500® Index
Index maintenance includes monitoring and completing the adjustments for company additions and deletions, share changes, stock splits, stock dividends, and stock price adjustments due to company restructuring or spinoffs. Some corporate actions, such as stock splits and stock dividends, require changes in the common shares outstanding and the stock prices of the companies in the S&P 500® Index, and do not require index divisor adjustments.
To prevent the level of the S&P 500® Index from changing due to corporate actions, corporate actions which affect the total market value of the S&P 500® Index require an index divisor adjustment. By adjusting the index divisor for the change in market value, the level of the S&P 500® Index remains constant and does not reflect the corporate actions of individual companies in the S&P 500® Index. Index divisor adjustments are made after the close of trading and after the calculation of the index closing level.
Changes in a company’s shares outstanding of 5.00% or more due to mergers, acquisitions, public offerings, tender offers, Dutch auctions, or exchange offers are made as soon as reasonably possible. All other changes of 5.00% or more (due to, for example, company stock repurchases, private placements, redemptions, exercise of options, warrants, conversion of preferred stock, notes, debt, equity participation units, at-the-market offerings, or other recapitalizations) are made weekly and are announced on Wednesdays for implementation after the close of trading on the following Wednesday. Changes of less than 5.00% due to a company’s acquisition of another company in the S&P 500® Index are made as soon as reasonably possible. All other changes of less than 5.00% are accumulated and made quarterly on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December, and are usually announced two to five days prior. Changes in IWFs of more than five percentage points caused by corporate actions (such as merger and acquisition activity, restructurings, or spinoffs) will be made as soon as reasonably possible. Other changes in IWFs will be made annually when IWFs are reviewed.
The following graph shows the monthly historical performance of the S&P 500® Index in the period from January 2008 through February 2014. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On March 13, 2014, the closing level of the S&P 500® Index was 1,846.34.
This historical data on the S&P 500® Index is not necessarily indicative of its future performance or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the S&P 500® Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the S&P 500® Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-9 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels and trading pattern of the S&P 500® Index.
License Agreement
Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). “Standard & Poor’s®”, “Standard & Poor’s 500TM”, “S&P 500®”, and “S&P®” are trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and its affiliates and sublicensed for certain purposes by us. The S&P 500® Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and has been licensed for use by us.
The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the S&P 500® Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to us with respect to the S&P 500® Index is the licensing of the S&P 500® Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The S&P 500® Index is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to us or the notes. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take our needs or the needs of the holders of the notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500® Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the notes or the timing of the issuance or sale of the notes or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the notes are to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes. There is no assurance that investment products based on the S&P 500® Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within the S&P 500® Index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may independently issue and/or sponsor financial products unrelated to the notes currently being issued by us, but which may be similar to and competitive with the notes. In addition, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may trade financial products which are linked to the performance of the S&P 500® Index. It is possible that this trading activity will affect the value of the S&P 500® Index and the notes.
S&P DOW JONES INDICES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500® INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500® INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND US, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-10 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
The EURO STOXX 50® Index
The EURO STOXX 50® Index is composed of 50 component stocks of market sector leaders from within the EURO STOXX® Supersector indices in terms of free float market capitalization, which represent the Eurozone portion of the STOXX Europe 600® Supersector indices. The STOXX Europe 600® Supersector indices contain the 600 largest stocks traded on the major exchanges of 18 European countries. The EURO STOXX 50® Index was created by STOXX Limited, a joint venture between Deutsche Börse AG and SIX Group AG. Publication of the EURO STOXX 50® Index began on February 26, 1998, based on an initial index level of 1,000 at December 31, 1991. The EURO STOXX 50® Index is published in The Wall Street Journal and disseminated on the STOXX Limited website, which sets forth, among other things, the country and industrial sector weightings of the securities included in the EURO STOXX 50® Index, and updates these weightings at the end of each quarter. The EURO STOXX 50® Index is reported by Bloomberg under the ticker symbol “SX5E.”
On March 1, 2010, STOXX Limited announced the removal of the “Dow Jones” prefix from all of its indices, including the EURO STOXX 50® Index.
Methodology of the EURO STOXX 50® Index
The composition of the EURO STOXX 50® Index is reviewed annually in September, based on the closing stock data on the last trading day in August. The component stocks are announced on the first trading day in September. Changes in the composition of the EURO STOXX 50® Index are made to ensure that the EURO STOXX 50® Index includes 50 market sector leaders from within the EURO STOXX 50® Index. Changes to the component stocks are implemented on the third Friday in September and are effective the following trading day. The EURO STOXX 50® Index is calculated in euros.
The composition of the EURO STOXX 50® Index is also reviewed monthly to ensure that component stocks still remain eligible for inclusion. The announcement will be on the first trading day of the month after close of the relevant markets. Any resulting changes from the monthly review are implemented on the close of the fifth trading day following the monthly review and are effective the next trading day. All stocks on the latest selection lists and initial public offering (IPO) stocks are reviewed for a fast-track addition on a quarterly basis. The announcement will be on the first trading day of the month after market close. The implementation is effected together with that of the STOXX Total Market Indices. A current list of the issuers that comprise the EURO STOXX 50® Index is available on the STOXX Limited website. Information contained in the STOXX Limited website is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered a part of, this term sheet.
The free float factors for each component stock used to calculate the EURO STOXX 50® Index, as described below, are reviewed, calculated and implemented on a quarterly basis and are fixed until the next quarterly review. Each component’s weight is capped at 10% of the index’s total free float market capitalization.
The EURO STOXX 50® Index is also reviewed on an ongoing basis. Corporate actions (including initial public offerings, mergers and takeovers, spin-offs, delistings and bankruptcy) that affect the index composition are immediately reviewed. Any changes are announced, implemented and effective in line with the type of corporate action and the magnitude of the effect.
Computation of the EURO STOXX 50®Index
The EURO STOXX 50® Index is calculated with the “Laspeyres formula,” which measures the aggregate price changes in the component stocks against a fixed base quantity weight. The formula for calculating the index value can be expressed as follows:
Index =
|
free float market capitalization of the Index
|
|
|
divisor of the Index
|
|
The “free float market capitalization of the Index” is equal to the sum of the product of the price, number of shares outstanding and free float factor for each component stock as of the time the EURO STOXX 50® Index is being calculated. The free float factor reduces the number of shares outstanding to the actual amount available on the market. All fractions of the total number of shares that are larger than 5% and whose holding is of a long-term nature are excluded from the index calculation. The free float factor typically excludes cross-ownership (stock owned either by the company itself or other companies), government ownership, private ownership, and restricted shares that cannot be traded during a certain period or have a foreign ownership restriction. Block ownership is not applied for holdings of custodian nominees, trustee companies, mutual funds, investment companies with short-term investment strategies, pension funds and similar entities.
The EURO STOXX 50® Index is also subject to a divisor, which is adjusted to maintain the continuity of index values despite changes due to corporate actions. All corporate actions and dividends are implemented at the effective date (ex-date); i.e., with corporate actions where cash or other corporate assets are distributed to shareholders, the price of the stock will decrease on the ex-date. The following is a summary of the adjustments to any component stock made for corporate actions and the effect of such adjustment on the divisor, where shareholders of the component stock will receive “B” number of shares for every “A” share held (where applicable). If the new shares have a dividend disadvantage —i.e., the new shares have a different dividend from that paid on the old shares — the price for these new shares will be adjusted according to the gross dividend amount. The divisor may increase, decrease or be held constant.
DIVISOR:
|
Decrease
|
A) Cash dividend (applies to return indices only)
adjusted price (net return) = closing price − announced dividend * (1 − withholding tax)
adjusted price (gross return) = closing price − announced dividend
|
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-11 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
DIVISOR:
|
Decrease
|
B) Special Cash dividend (applies to price and return indices)
adjusted price = closing price − announced dividend * (1 − withholding tax if applicable)
|
DIVISOR:
|
Constant
|
C) Split and Reverse Split
adjusted price = closing price * A / B
new number of shares = old number of shares * B / A
|
DIVISOR:
|
Increase
|
D) Rights Offering
adjusted price = (closing price * A + subscription price * B) / (A + B)
new number of shares = old number of shares * (A + B) / A
|
DIVISOR:
|
Constant
|
E) Stock Dividend
adjusted price = closing price * A / (A + B)
new number of shares = old number of shares * (A + B) / A
|
|
Decrease
|
F) Stock Dividend (from treasury stock)
If treated as regular cash dividend, only the return indices are adjusted.
adjusted price = closing price – closing price * B / (A + B)
If treated as extraordinary dividend, the price and the return indices are adjusted.
adjusted price = closing price – closing price * B / (A + B)
|
DIVISOR:
|
Decrease
|
G) Stock Dividend of a Different Company Security
adjusted price = (closing price * A − price of the different company security * B) / A
|
DIVISOR:
|
Decrease
|
H) Return of Capital and Share Consolidation
adjusted price = (closing price − capital return announced by company *
(1 − withholding tax)) * A / B
new number of shares = old number of shares * B / A
|
DIVISOR:
|
Decrease
|
I) Repurchase Shares-Self-Tender
adjusted price = ((price before tender * old number of shares) − (tender price * number of tendered shares)) / (old number of shares − number of tendered shares)
new number of shares = old number of shares − number of tendered shares
|
DIVISOR:
|
Decrease
|
J) Spinoff
adjusted price = (closing price * A − price of spun-off shares * B) / A
|
DIVISOR:
|
|
K) Combination Stock Distribution (Dividend or Split) and Rights Offering
Shareholders receive B new shares from the distribution and C new shares from the rights offering for every A shares held:
|
|
Increase
|
● If rights are applicable after stock distribution (one action applicable to other)
adjusted price = [closing price * A + subscription price * C * (1 + B / A)] / [(A + B) * (1 + C / A)]
new number of shares = old number of shares * [(A + B) * (1 + C / A)] / A
|
|
Increase
|
● If stock distribution is applicable after rights (one action applicable to other)
adjusted price = [closing price * A + subscription price * C] / [(A + C) * (1 + B / A)]
new number of shares = old number of shares * [(A + C) * (1 + B / A)] / A
|
DIVISOR:
|
Increase
|
● Stock distribution and rights (neither action is applicable to the other)
adjusted price = [closing price * A + subscription price * C] / [A + B + C]
new number of shares = old number of shares * [A + B + C] / A
|
|
|
L) Addition/Deletion of a Company
No price adjustments are made. The net change in market capitalization determines the divisor adjustment.
|
|
|
M) Free float and Share Changes
No price adjustments are made. The net change in market capitalization determines the divisor adjustment.
|
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-12 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
The following graph shows the historical performance of the EURO STOXX 50® Index in the period from January 2008 through February 2014. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On March 13, 2014, the closing level of the EURO STOXX 50® Index was 3,019.54.
This historical data on the EURO STOXX 50® Index is not necessarily indicative of its future performance or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the EURO STOXX 50® Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the EURO STOXX 50® Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels and trading pattern of the EURO STOXX 50® Index.
License Agreement
We have entered into an agreement with STOXX Limited providing us and certain of our affiliates or subsidiaries identified in that agreement with a non-exclusive license and, for a fee, with the right to use the EURO STOXX 50® Index, which is owned and published by STOXX Limited, in connection with certain securities, including the notes.
STOXX Limited and its licensors (the “Licensors”) have no relationship to us, other than the licensing of the EURO STOXX 50® Index and the related trademarks for use in connection with the notes.
STOXX Limited and its Licensors do not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the notes; recommend that any person invest in the notes; have any responsibility or liability for or make any decisions about the timing, amount or pricing of the notes; have any responsibility or liability for the administration, management or marketing of the notes; or consider the needs of the notes or the owners of the notes in determining, composing or calculating the EURO STOXX 50® Index or have any obligation to do so.
STOXX Limited and its Licensors will not have any liability in connection with the notes. Specifically, STOXX Limited and its Licensors do not make any warranty, express or implied and disclaim any and all warranty about: the results to be obtained by the notes, the owners of the notes or any other person in connection with the use of the EURO STOXX 50® Index and the data included in the EURO STOXX 50® Index; the accuracy or completeness of the EURO STOXX 50® Index and its data; and the merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose or use of the EURO STOXX 50® Index and its data. STOXX Limited and its Licensors will have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions in the EURO STOXX 50® Index or its data. Under no circumstances will STOXX Limited or its Licensors be liable for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages or losses, even if STOXX Limited or its Licensors knows that they might occur. The licensing agreement between us and STOXX Limited is solely for our benefit and the benefit of STOXX Limited and not for the benefit of the owners of the notes or any other third parties.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-13 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount.
We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than three business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than three business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than three business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to MLPF&S acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S will not receive an underwriting discount for notes sold to certain fee-based trusts and fee-based discretionary accounts managed by U.S. Trust operating through Bank of America, N.A.
MLPF&S has advised us as follows: They or their affiliates may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices determined by reference to their pricing models and at their discretion, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions. MLPF&S has informed us that at MLPF&S’s discretion and for your benefit, assuming no changes in market conditions from the pricing date, MLPF&S may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes for a short initial period after the issuance of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Indices and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, or any of our respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S, or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.
MLPF&S has informed us that, as of the date of this term sheet, it expects that if you hold your notes in a MLPF&S account, the value of the notes shown on your account statement will be based on MLPF&S’s estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S or another of its affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do; and that estimate will be based upon the price that MLPF&S may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. Any such price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding Credit Suisse or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Indices. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because market-linked notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us, the internal funding rate we use in pricing market-linked notes is typically lower than a rate reflecting the yield on our conventional debt securities of similar maturity in the secondary market. Because we use our internal funding rate to determine the value of the theoretical bond component, if on the pricing date our internal funding rate is lower than our secondary market credit rates, the initial estimated value of the notes will be higher than if the initial estimated value was based our secondary market credit rates.
Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Indices. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatilities of the Indices, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see "Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to the Notes” beginning on page PS-6 and “Supplemental Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-16 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-14 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Credit Suisse AG
Credit Suisse AG, London Branch (“CSLB”), was registered in England and Wales on April 22, 1993. It is, among other things, a vehicle for various funding activities of Credit Suisse AG. CSLB exists as part of Credit Suisse AG and is not a separate legal entity, although it has independent status for certain tax and regulatory purposes. CSLB is authorized and regulated by the Financial Market Supervisory Authority in Switzerland, is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority in the U.K., and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority in the U.K. CSLB’s address is One Cabot Square, London EC14 4QJ, and its telephone number is +44 20 7888 8888. For additional information, see “Credit Suisse” in the prospectus.
Credit Suisse may at any time substitute another of its branches for the branch through which it acts under the notes for all purposes under the notes. The notes will remain obligations of Credit Suisse, notwithstanding any such substitution.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a brief summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to an investment in the notes. The following summary is not complete and is qualified and supplemented by, or in some cases supplements, the discussion under the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” beginning on page PS-26 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES STR-1, which you should carefully review prior to investing in the notes.
There are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings, or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the notes or securities with terms that are substantially the same as those of the notes. Thus, the characterization of the notes is not certain. In the absence of an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary and pursuant to the terms of the notes, you agree with us to treat the notes, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as prepaid financial contracts, with respect to the Market Measure, that are eligible for open transaction treatment. The balance of this discussion assumes that the notes will be treated as prepaid financial contracts. You should be aware that such characterization of the notes is not certain, nor is it binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or the courts. Thus, it is possible that the IRS would seek to characterize your notes in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described below or in the product supplement. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences that you may experience as a result of any alternative characterization of the notes for U.S. federal income tax or other tax purposes. You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of such characterization and any possible alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If the notes are treated as prepaid financial contracts, a U.S. Holder (as defined in the product supplement) should generally recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or maturity of its notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized at such time and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its notes (generally the amount paid for the notes). Such gain or loss generally should be long-term capital gain or loss if the notes have been held for more than one year. For notes with a term of one year or less, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss.
Notes Held Through Foreign Entities
Pursuant to recently finalized regulations and IRS Notice 2013-43, and subject to certain exceptions, FATCA’s withholding regime generally will apply to (i) withholdable payments (other than certain gross proceeds) made after June 30, 2014 (other than certain payments made with respect to a “preexisting obligation,” as defined in the regulations); (ii) payments of certain gross proceeds with respect to a sale or disposition occurring after December 31, 2016; and (iii) foreign passthru payments made after the later of December 31, 2016, or the date that final regulations defining the term ”foreign passthru payment” are published.
Substitute Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Payments
A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and, unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty with the United States, such payments generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Proposed regulations provide that a dividend equivalent is (i) any payment of a substitute dividend made pursuant to a securities lending or sale-repurchase transaction that references the payment of a dividend from an underlying security, (ii) any payment made pursuant to a specified notional principal contract (a “specified NPC”) that references the payment of a dividend from an underlying security, (iii) any payment made pursuant to a specified equity-linked instrument (a “specified ELI”), or (iv) any other substantially similar payment. An underlying security is any interest in an entity taxable as a domestic corporation if a payment with respect to that interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. For payments made before January 1, 2016, the regulations provide that a specified NPC is any NPC if (a) in connection with entering into the contract, any long party to the contract transfers the underlying security to any short party to the contract, (b) in connection with the termination of the contract, any short party to the contract transfers the underlying security to any long party to the contract, (c) the underlying security is not readily tradable on an established securities market, or (d) in connection with entering into the contract, the underlying security is posted as collateral by any short party to the contract with any long party to the contract. For payments made after December 31, 2015, a specified NPC is any NPC that has a delta of 0.70 or greater with respect to an underlying security at the time of acquisition. For ELIs issued on or after 90 days after the date the proposed regulations are finalized, a specified ELI is any ELI that has a delta of 0.70 or greater with respect to an underlying security at the time of acquisition. The delta of an NPC or ELI is the ratio of the change in the fair market value of the contract to the change in the fair market value of the property referenced by the contract. If withholding applies, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-15 |
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®
Linked to the Worst of the S&P 500® Index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due March , 2017
Proposed Legislation on Certain Financial Transactions
On February 26, 2014, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments. If enacted as proposed, the effect of that legislation generally would be to require instruments such as the notes acquired after December 31, 2014, or any notes held after December 31, 2019, to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the draft legislation and its possible impact on you.
You should consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of your investment in the notes in your particular circumstances, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.
Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S toll-free at 1-866-500-5408.
"Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®" is a registered service mark of Bank of America Corporation, the parent company of MLPF&S.
Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® |
TS-16 |