The Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018 (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 Observation Level of the Market Measure, which is the Nikkei Stock Average Index (the “Index”), is equal to or greater than the Call Level on the relevant Observation Date. If not called, at maturity, the notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Index is equal to or greater than its Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the level of the Index above the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, you will lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes. 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 Index, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Step Up Payment) 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-12.
Terms of the Notes
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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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Call Settlement Dates:
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Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement if the related Observation Date is postponed, as described on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2.
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Principal Amount:
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$10.00 per unit
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Call Premiums:
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$0.95 per unit if called on April , 2016 (which represents a return of 9.50% over the principal amount), and $1.90 per unit if called on April , 2017 (which represents a return of 19.00% over the principal amount)
The actual Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date.
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Term:
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Approximately three years, if not called
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Ending Value:
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The closing level of the Market Measure on the scheduled calculation day. The calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2.
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Market Measure:
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Nikkei Stock Average Index (Bloomberg symbol: “NKY”), a price return index.
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Step Up Value:
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[122% to 128%] of the Starting Value. The actual Step Up Value will be determined on the pricing date.
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Starting Value:
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The closing level of the Market Measure on the pricing date
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Step Up Payment:
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[$2.20 to $2.80] per unit, which represents a return of [22% to 28%] over the principal amount. The actual Step Up Payment will be determined on the pricing date.
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Observation Level:
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The closing level of the Market Measure on the applicable Observation Date.
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Threshold Value:
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100% of the Starting Value.
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Observation Dates:
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April , 2016 and April , 2017, subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2.
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Calculation Day:
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Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date.
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Call Level:
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100% of the 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-12.
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Call Amounts (per Unit):
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$10.95 if called on April , 2016, and $11.90 if called on April , 2017
The actual Call Amounts will be determined on the pricing date.
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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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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-2
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
Determining Payment on the Notes
Automatic Call Provision
The notes will be called automatically on an Observation Date if the Observation Level on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the applicable Call Premium.
Redemption Amount Determination
If the notes are not automatically called, on the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-3
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
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 SUN-2 dated January 31, 2014:
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Prospectus supplement dated March 23, 2012:
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Prospectus as amended by the Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement filed on March 19, 2015:
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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 1-800-294-1322. When you read product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2 and the prospectus supplement, please note that all references in those documents to the prospectus dated March 23, 2012, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the prospectus dated March 19, 2015, or to the corresponding sections of the prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires. 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 SUN-2. 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 are willing to receive a return on your investment capped at the applicable Call Premium if the relevant Observation Level is equal to or greater than the Call Level.
§ You anticipate that the Index will increase from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the Index decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ 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 Index.
§ 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 Redemption Amount.
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§ You want to hold your notes for the full term.
§ You believe that the Index will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You seek principal repayment 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 Index.
§ 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.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-4
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
Hypothetical Payout Profile at Maturity
The below graph is based on hypothetical numbers and values. These hypothetical values would only apply if the notes are not called on any Observation Date, and show a payout profile at maturity.
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This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on a Threshold Value of 100% of the Starting Value, a Step Up Payment of $2.50 per unit (the midpoint of the Step Up Payment range of [$2.20 to $2.80]), and a Step Up Value of 125% of the Starting Value (the midpoint of the Step Up Value range of [122% to 128%]). The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Index, excluding dividends.
This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only. See below table for a further illustration of the range of hypothetical payments at maturity.
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Hypothetical Payments at Maturity
The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes, assuming the notes are not called on any Observation Date. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Ending Value, Step Up Value, Step Up Payment, whether the notes are called on an Observation Date, and term of your investment.
The following table is based on a Starting Value of 100, a Threshold Value of 100, a Step Up Value of 125 and a Step Up Payment of $2.50 per unit. It illustrates the effect of a range of Ending Values on the Redemption Amount per unit of the notes and the total rate of return to holders of the notes. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
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Percentage Change from the
Starting Value to the Ending
Value
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Redemption Amount per Unit
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Total Rate of Return on the
Notes
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0.00
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-100.00%
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$0.00
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-100.00%
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50.00
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-50.00%
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$5.00
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-50.00%
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80.00
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-20.00%
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$8.00
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-20.00%
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90.00
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-10.00%
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$9.00
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-10.00%
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94.00
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-6.00%
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$9.40
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-6.00%
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97.00
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-3.00%
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$9.70
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-3.00%
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100.00(1)(2)
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0.00%
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$12.50(3)
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25.00%
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102.00
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2.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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105.00
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5.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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110.00
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10.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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120.00
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20.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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125.00(4)
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25.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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130.00
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30.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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140.00
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40.00%
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$14.00
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40.00%
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143.00
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43.00%
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$14.30
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43.00%
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150.00
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50.00%
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$15.00
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50.00%
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160.00
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60.00%
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$16.00
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60.00%
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(1)
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The hypothetical Starting Value of 100 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for the Market Measure.
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(2)
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This is the hypothetical Threshold Value.
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(3)
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This amount represents the sum of the principal amount and the hypothetical Step Up Payment of $2.50.
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(4)
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This is thehypothetical Step Up Value.
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For recent actual levels of the Market Measure, see “The Index” section below. The Index is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the 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.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-5
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
Redemption Amount Calculation Examples
Example 1
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The Ending Value is 90.00, or 90.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00
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Threshold Value:
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100.00
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Ending Value:
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90.00
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Redemption Amount per unit
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Example 2
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The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00
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Step Up Value:
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125.00
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Ending Value:
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110.00
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Redemption Amount per unit, the principal amount plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value.
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Example 3
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The Ending Value is 143.00, or 143.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00
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Step Up Value:
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125.00
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Ending Value:
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143.00
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Redemption Amount per unit
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-6
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
Risk Factors
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-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2 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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§
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If the notes are not automatically called, depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may 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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If the notes are called, your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium.
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Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.
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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-12. 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-12.
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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-12. 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 level of the Index, 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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§
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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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§
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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.
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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 Index), 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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§
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The Index sponsor may adjust the 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 Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
|
TS-7
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
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§
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While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Index we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Index, and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.
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§
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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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As a Swiss bank, Credit Suisse is subject to regulation by governmental agencies, supervisory authorities and self-regulatory organizations in Switzerland. Such regulation is increasingly more extensive and complex and subjects Credit Suisse to risks. For example, pursuant to Swiss banking laws, FINMA has broad powers and discretion in the case of resolution proceedings, which include the power to convert debt instruments and other liabilities of Credit Suisse into equity and/or cancel such liabilities in whole or in part.
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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-29 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2.
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The provisions of this section supersede and replace the definition of “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2.
Market Measure Business Day
A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:
(A) the Tokyo Stock Exchange (or any successor) is open for trading; and
(B) the Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
|
TS-8
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
The Index
We have derived all information regarding the Index contained in this document, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, Nikkei Inc. (the “Index Sponsor”). The Index is calculated, maintained and published by the Index Sponsor. The Index Sponsor has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of the Index Sponsor discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-22 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2. None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.
The Nikkei Stock Average Index (the “Index”) is a stock index calculated, published and disseminated by the Index Sponsor that measures the composite price performance of certain Japanese stocks. The Index currently is based on 225 underlying stocks trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the “TSE”) representing a broad cross-section of Japanese industries. ETFs, REITs, preferred stocks, preferred securities and tracking stocks are excluded. All 225 components of the Index are listed in the First Section of the TSE. Stocks listed in the First Section of the TSE are among the most actively traded stocks on the TSE. The Index Sponsor rules require that the 75 most liquid issues (one-third of the components of the Index) be included in the Index.
Standards for Listing and Maintenance
The Index is reviewed annually at the beginning of October. Stocks with high market liquidity are added and those with low liquidity are deleted. At the same time, to take into account changes in industry structure, the Index Sponsor examines the balance of the sectors, in terms of the number of constituents. Liquidity of a stock is assessed by the two measures: “trading value” and “magnitude of price fluctuation by volume,” which is calculated as (High price/Low price) / Volume. Among stocks on the TSE First Section, the top 450 stocks in terms of liquidity are selected to form the “high liquidity group”. Those constituents not in the high liquidity group are deleted. Those non-constituent stocks which are in the top 75 of the high liquidity group are added. After the liquidity deletions and additions, constituents are deleted and added to balance the number of constituents among sectors, and to make the total number of the constituents equal 225.
The 225 companies included in the Index are divided into six sector categories: Technology, Financials, Consumer Goods, Materials, Capital Goods/Others and Transportation and Utilities. The six sector categories are divided into 36 industrial classifications as follows:
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Technology—Pharmaceuticals, Electrical Machinery, Automobiles and Auto parts, Precision Machinery, Telecommunications;
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Financials—Banks, Miscellaneous Financial Services, Securities, Insurance;
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Consumer Goods—Marine Products, Food, Retail, Services;
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Materials—Mining, Textiles, Paper and Pulp, Chemicals, Oil, Rubber, Ceramics, Steel, Nonferrous Metals, Trading Companies;
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Capital Goods/Others—Construction, Machinery, Shipbuilding, Transportation Equipment, Miscellaneous Manufacturing, Real Estate; and
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Transportation and Utilities—Railroads and Buses, Trucking, Shipping, Airlines, Warehousing, Electric Power, Gas.
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Among the 450 “high liquidity” stocks, half of those that belong to any sector are designated as the “appropriate number of stocks” for that sector. The actual number of constituents in a sector is then compared with its “appropriate number,” and if the actual number is larger or smaller than the “appropriate number,” then components are deleted or added, as necessary. Stocks to be deleted are selected from stocks with lower liquidity and stocks to be added are selected from stocks with higher liquidity. Stocks selected according to the foregoing procedures are candidates for addition or deletion, as applicable, and the final determinations will be made by the Index Sponsor.
The Index is also reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to extraordinary developments, such as bankruptcies or mergers. Any stock removed from the TSE First Section due to any of the following reasons will be removed from the Index: (i) bankruptcy, including filing for Corporate Reorganization Act, Civil Rehabilitation Act, or liquidation; (ii) corporate restructuring such as merger, share exchange or share transfer; (iii) excess debt or other reasons; or (iv) transfer to the TSE Second Section. In addition, component stocks designated as “securities under supervision” become deletion candidates. However, the decision to delete such candidates will be made by examining the sustainability and the probability of delisting for each individual case. Upon deletion of a stock from the Index, the Index Sponsor will generally select as a replacement the most liquid stock that is both in the “high liquidity group” and in the same sector as the deleted stock. When deletions are known in advance, replacements may be selected as part of the periodic review process or by using similar procedures.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-9
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
Calculation of the Index
The Index is a modified price-weighted index (i.e., a stock’s weight in the Index is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer) where the sum of the constituent stock prices, adjusted by the presumed par value, is divided by a divisor.
The Index is calculated by (i) converting the component stocks that do not have a par value of 50 yen to 50 yen par value, as described below, (ii) calculating the sum of the adjusted share prices of each component stock and (iii) dividing such sum by a divisor. Most listed companies in Japan have a par value of 50 yen. All companies included in the Index are given an equal weighting based on a par value of 50 yen. Stocks with irregular par values are modified to reflect a 50 yen par value. For example, a stock with a 500 yen par value will have its share price divided by 10 to give a 50 yen par value price. The level of the Index is calculated every 15 seconds during TSE trading hours.
In order to maintain continuity in the Index in the event of certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the component stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stocks, stock splits or distributions of assets to stockholders, the divisor used in calculating the Index is adjusted in a manner designed to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of the Index. Thereafter, the divisor remains at the new value until a further adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. As a result of such change affecting any component stock, the divisor is adjusted in such a way that the sum of all share prices immediately after such change multiplied by the applicable weight factor and divided by the new divisor (i.e., the level of the Index immediately after such change) will equal the level of the Index immediately prior to the change. For the Index, presumed par value may be changed for large scale splits and reverse splits. The divisor is not changed in these cases.
The following graph shows the monthly historical performance of the Index in the period from January 2008 through March 2015. 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 April 9, 2015, the closing level of the Index was 19,937.72.
Historical Performance of the Index
This historical data on the Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the 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 Index.
License Agreement
The Index is the intellectual property of the Index Sponsor, formerly known as Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. “Nikkei,” “Nikkei 225” and “Nikkei Stock Average” are the service marks of the Index Sponsor. The Index Sponsor reserves all the rights, including copyright, to the Index.
The notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed or promoted by the Index Sponsor. The Index Sponsor does not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the results to be obtained as to the use of the Index or the figure at which
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
|
TS-10
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
the Index stands at any particular day or otherwise. The Index is compiled and calculated solely by the Index Sponsor. However, the Index Sponsor shall not be liable to any person for any error in the Index and the Index Sponsor shall not be under any obligation to advise any person, including a purchaser or seller of the notes, of any error therein. In addition, the Index Sponsor gives no assurance regarding any modification or change in any methodology used in calculating the Index and is under no obligation to continue the calculation, publication and dissemination of the Index.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-11
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
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 Index 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 Index. 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 Index. 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 volatility of the Index, 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-7 and “Supplemental Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-17 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-12
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due April , 2018
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-29 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-2, 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 accompanying 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 accompanying 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
In Notice 2014-14, the IRS stated that it intends to limit specified ELIs, as defined in the proposed regulations under Code section 871(m), to ELIs issued on or after 90 days after the date the proposed regulations are finalized.
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 1-800-294-1322.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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TS-13
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