February 2017 Pricing Supplement No. A152
Registration Statement Nos. 333-202913 and 333-180300-03
Dated February 15, 2017
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM 

Principal at Risk Securities 

The securities are unsecured obligations of Credit Suisse, will pay no interest and do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity. At maturity, if the Underlying has appreciated in value, investors will receive the principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the Underlying, subject to the Maximum Payment at Maturity. However, if the Underlying has depreciated in value, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the level of the Underlying from the Initial Level to the Final Level. Under these circumstances, the Payment at Maturity will be less than the principal amount and could be zero. Accordingly, you may lose your entire investment. The securities are for investors who seek an equity index-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income and upside above the Maximum Payment at Maturity in exchange for the leverage feature, which applies for a limited range of upside performance of the Underlying. Investors may lose their entire investment in the securities. 

All payments on the securities, including the repayment of principal, are subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse. 

KEY TERMS
Issuer:	Credit Suisse AG (“Credit Suisse”), acting through its London branch.
Underlying:	EURO STOXX 50® Index. For more information on the Underlying, see “The Reference Indices—The EURO STOXX 50® Index” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
Aggregate Principal Amount:	$5,187,790
Principal Amount:	$10 per security. The securities are offered at a minimum investment of 100 securities at $10.00 per security (representing a $1,000 investment), and integral multiples of $10.00 in excess thereof.
Price to Public:	$10 per security (see “Commissions and Price to Public” below)
Payment at Maturity:	If the Final Level is greater than the Initial Level, the lesser of (i) the Maximum Payment at Maturity and (ii) an amount calculated as follows:
	$10 + Leveraged Upside Payment
	In no event will the Payment at Maturity exceed the Maximum Payment at Maturity.
	If the Final Level is less than or equal to the Initial Level,
	$10 × Index Performance Factor
	Under these circumstances, the Payment at Maturity will be less than or equal to the principal amount of $10.
Leveraged Upside Payment:	$10 × Leverage Factor × Index Percent Increase
Index Percent Increase:		Final Level – Initial Level Initial Level
Index Performance Factor:		Final Level Initial Level
	Key Terms continued on the following page

Investing in the securities involves a number of risks. See “Risk Factors” in this pricing supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-3 of the accompanying product supplement. 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this pricing supplement or the accompanying underlying supplement, the product supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. 

Commissions and Price to Public	Price to Public	Underwriting Discounts and Commissions	Proceeds to Issuer
Per security	$10.00	$0.175(1)
		$0.05(2)	$9.775
Total	$5,187,790.00	$116,725.28	$5,071,064.72

(1) We or one of our affiliates will pay to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“MSSB”) discounts and commissions of $0.225 per $10 principal amount of securities, of which $0.05 per $10 principal amount of securities will be paid as a structuring fee. For more detailed information, please see “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on the last page of this pricing supplement. 

(2) Reflects a structuring fee payable to MSSB by Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“CSSU”) or one of its affiliates of $0.05 for each security. 

The agent for this offering, CSSU, is our affiliate. For more information, see “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on the last page of this pricing supplement. 

Credit Suisse currently estimates the value of each $10 principal amount of the securities on the Trade Date is $9.67 (as determined by reference to our pricing models and the rate we are currently paying to borrow funds through issuance of the securities (our “internal funding rate”)). See “Selected Risk Considerations” in this pricing supplement. 

The securities are not deposit liabilities and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction. 

Credit Suisse

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Key Terms continued from previous page:
Initial Level:	3323.71, which is the closing level of the Underlying on the Trade Date.
Final Level:	The closing level of the Underlying on the Valuation Date
Leverage Factor:	300%
Maximum Payment at Maturity:	$12.71 per security (127.10% of the principal amount).
Trade Date:	February 15, 2017
Settlement Date:	February 21, 2017 (3 business days after the Trade Date).  Delivery of the securities in book-entry form only will be made through The Depository Trust Company.
Valuation Date:	May 31, 2018, subject to postponement as set forth in the accompanying product supplement under “Description of the Securities—Postponement of calculation dates.”
Maturity Date:	June 5, 2018, subject to postponement as set forth in the accompanying product supplement under “Description of the Securities—Postponement of calculation dates.”
CUSIP/ISIN:	22549A315/US22549A3150
Listing:	The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Distributor:	MSSB.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution.”
Calculation Agent:	Credit Suisse International

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Additional Terms Specific to the Securities

You should read this pricing supplement together with the underlying supplement dated December 2, 2016, the product supplement dated May 4, 2015, the prospectus supplement dated May 4, 2015 and the prospectus dated May 4, 2015, relating to our Medium-Term Notes of which these securities are a part. You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):

• Underlying supplement dated December 2, 2016:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000095010316018406/dp70262_424b2-underlying.htm

• Product supplement No. I dated May 4, 2015:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000095010315003534/dp55815_424b2-psno1.htm

• Prospectus supplement and Prospectus dated May 4, 2015:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000104746915004333/a2224570z424b2.htm

In the event the terms of the securities described in this pricing supplement differ from, or are inconsistent with, the terms described in the underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus, the terms described in this pricing supplement will control.

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 1053092. As used in this pricing supplement, “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Credit Suisse.

This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed above, contains the terms of the securities and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, fact sheets, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. We may, without the consent of the registered holder of the securities and the owner of any beneficial interest in the securities, amend the securities to conform to its terms as set forth in this pricing supplement and the documents listed above, and the trustee is authorized to enter into any such amendment without any such consent. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the product supplement and “Selected Risk Considerations” in this pricing supplement, “Foreign Currency Risks” in the accompanying prospectus, and any risk factors we describe in the combined Annual Report on Form 20-F of Credit Suisse Group AG and us incorporated by reference therein, and any additional risk factors we describe in future filings we make with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as the securities involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. You should consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before deciding to invest in the securities.

February 2017 Page 2

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Investment Summary 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities 

Principal at Risk Securities

The PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 can be used:

§ As an alternative to direct exposure to the Underlying that enhances returns for a certain range of positive performance of the Underlying, subject to the Maximum Payment at Maturity.

§ To enhance returns and potentially outperform the Underlying in a moderately bullish scenario.

§ To achieve similar levels of upside exposure to the Underlying as a direct investment, subject to the Maximum Payment at Maturity, while using fewer dollars by taking advantage of the Leverage Factor.

The securities are exposed on a 1:1 basis to the negative performance of the Underlying.

Maturity:	Approximately 1 year and 3 months
Leverage Factor:	300% (applicable only if the Final Level is greater than the Initial Level)
Maximum Payment at Maturity:	$12.71 per security (127.10% of the principal amount)
Minimum Payment at Maturity:	None. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the securities.
Coupon:	None

February 2017 Page 3

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Key Investment Rationale

The securities offer leveraged exposure to a certain range of positive performance of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index. In exchange for enhanced performance of 300% of the appreciation of the Underlying, investors forgo performance above the Maximum Payment at Maturity of $12.71 per security. At maturity, if the Underlying has appreciated in value, investors will receive the principal amount of their investment plus leveraged upside performance of the Underlying, subject to the Maximum Payment at Maturity. However, if the Underlying has depreciated in value, investors will lose 1% for every 1% decline in the level of the Underlying from the Initial Level to the Final Level. Under these circumstances, the Payment at Maturity will be less than the principal amount and could be zero. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the securities. All payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse.

Leveraged Performance	The securities offer investors an opportunity to capture enhanced returns relative to a direct investment in the Underlying within a certain range of positive performance.
Upside Scenario	The Underlying increases in value, and, at maturity, you receive a full return of principal as well as 300% of the increase in the value of the Underlying, subject to the Maximum Payment at Maturity of $12.71 per security (127.10% of the principal amount).  For example, if the Final Level is 3.00% greater than the Initial Level, the securities will provide a total return of 9.00% at maturity.
Par scenario	The Final Level is equal to the Initial Level.  In this case, you receive the principal amount of $10 at maturity.
Downside Scenario	The Underlying declines in value, and, at maturity, the securities redeem for less than the principal amount by an amount proportionate to the decline in the value of the Underlying from the Initial Level to the Final Level.  For example, if the Final Level is 30% less than the Initial Level, the securities will redeem at maturity for a loss of 30% of principal at $7, or 70% of the principal amount.  There is no minimum Payment at Maturity on the securities, and you could lose your entire investment.

February 2017 Page 4

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

How the Securities Work

The numbers appearing in the sections below have been rounded for ease of analysis.

Payoff Diagram

The payoff diagram below illustrates the Payment at Maturity on the securities based on the following terms:

Principal Amount:	$10 per security
Leverage Factor:	300%
Maximum Payment at Maturity:	$12.71 per security (127.10% of the principal amount)
Minimum Payment at Maturity:	None

Securities Payoff Diagram

See the next page for a description of how the securities work.

February 2017 Page 5

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

How it works

§ Upside Scenario. If the Final Level is greater than the Initial Level, the investor would receive the $10 principal amount plus 300% of the appreciation of the Underlying from the Initial Level to the Final Level, subject to the Maximum Payment at Maturity. Under the terms of the securities, an investor will realize the Maximum Payment at Maturity at a Final Level of approximately 109.03% of the Initial Level.

§ If the Underlying appreciates 2%, the investor would receive a 6% return, or $10.60 per security.

§ If the Underlying appreciates 40%, the investor would receive only the Maximum Payment at Maturity of $12.71 per security, or 127.10% of the principal amount.

§ Par Scenario. If the Final Level is equal to the Initial Level, the investor would receive the $10 principal amount.

§ Downside Scenario. If the Final Level is less than the Initial Level, the investor would receive an amount that is less than the $10 principal amount, based on a 1% loss of principal for each 1% decline in the Underlying. Under these circumstances, the Payment at Maturity will be less than the principal amount per security. There is no minimum Payment at Maturity on the securities.

§ If the Underlying depreciates 30%, the investor would lose 30% of the investor’s principal and receive only $7 per security at maturity, or 70% of the principal amount.

February 2017 Page 6

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Risk Factors

This section describes the most significant risks relating to the securities. For a complete list of risk factors, please see the accompanying product supplement, prospectus and prospectus supplement. Investors should consult their financial and legal advisers as to the risks entailed by an investment in the securities and the suitability of the securities in light of their particular circumstances.

§ The investment in the securities may result in a loss. The securities do not guarantee any return of your principal amount. You could lose up to $10 per $10 principal amount of securities. If the Final Level is less than the Initial Level, you will lose 1% of your principal for each 1% decline in the level of the Underlying from the Initial Level to the Final Level. Any payment on the securities is subject to our ability to pay our obligations as they become due.

§ Regardless of the amount of any payment you receive on the securities, your actual yield may be different in real value terms. Inflation may cause the real value of any payment you receive on the securities to be less at maturity than it is at the time you invest. An investment in the securities also represents a forgone opportunity to invest in an alternative asset that generates a higher real return. You should carefully consider whether an investment that may result in a return that is lower than the return on alternative investments is appropriate for you.

§ Limited appreciation potential. If the Final Level is greater than the Initial Level, for each $10 principal amount of securities, you will be entitled to receive at maturity the lesser of (i) the Maximum Payment at Maturity and (ii) the sum of $10 and the Leveraged Upside Payment, which will equal the product of (a) $10, (b) the Leverage Factor and (c) the percentage change of the Underlying from the Initial Level to the Final Level. The Payment at Maturity will not exceed the Maximum Payment at Maturity of $12.71 per security, regardless of the appreciation in the level of the Underlying, which may be significant.

§ The securities are subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse. Investors are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the securities and, therefore, if we were to default on our obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the securities. In addition, any decline in our credit ratings, any adverse changes in the market’s view of our creditworthiness or any increase in our credit spreads is likely to adversely affect the value of the securities prior to maturity.

§ The securities do not pay interest. We will not pay interest on the securities. You may receive less at maturity than you could have earned on ordinary interest-bearing debt securities with similar maturities, including other of our debt securities, since the Payment at Maturity at maturity is based on the performance of the Underlying. Because the Payment at Maturity due at maturity may be less than the amount originally invested in the securities, the return on the securities (the effective yield to maturity) may be negative. Even if it is positive, the return payable on each security may not be enough to compensate you for any loss in value due to inflation and other factors relating to the value of money over time.

§ The probability that the Final Level will be less than the Initial Level will depend on the volatility of the Underlying. “Volatility” refers to the frequency and magnitude of changes in the level of the Underlying. The greater the expected volatility with respect to the Underlying on the Trade Date, the higher the expectation as of the Trade Date that the Final Level could be less than the Initial Level, indicating a higher expected risk of loss on the securities. The terms of the securities are set, in part, based on expectations about the volatility of the Underlying as of the Trade Date. The volatility of the Underlying can change significantly over the term of the securities. The level of the Underlying could fall sharply, which could result in a significant loss of principal. You should be willing to accept the downside market risk of the Underlying and the potential to lose a significant amount of your principal at maturity.

§ The closing level of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index will not be adjusted for changes in exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar even though the equity securities included in the EURO STOXX 50^® Index are traded in a foreign currency and the securities are denominated in U.S. Dollars. The value of your securities will not be adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and the currencies in which the equity securities included in the EURO STOXX 50^® Index are based. Therefore, if the applicable currencies appreciate or depreciate relative to the U.S. Dollar over the term of the securities, you will not receive any additional payment or incur any reduction in your return, if any, at maturity.

February 2017 Page 7

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

§ Risks associated with investments in securities linked to the performance of foreign equity securities. The equity securities included in the EURO STOXX 50^® Index are issued by foreign companies and trade in foreign securities markets. Investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities involve risks associated with the securities markets in those countries, including the risk of volatility in those markets, governmental intervention in those markets and cross-shareholdings in companies in certain countries. Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements different from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times. Moreover, the economies in such countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.

§ The estimated value of the securities on the Trade Date is less than the Price to Public. The initial estimated value of your securities on the Trade Date (as determined by reference to our pricing models and our internal funding rate) is less than the original Price to Public. The Price to Public of the securities includes any discounts or commissions as well as transaction costs such as expenses incurred to create, document and market the securities and the cost of hedging our risks as issuer of the securities through one or more of our affiliates (which includes a projected profit). These costs will be effectively borne by you as an investor in the securities. These amounts will be retained by Credit Suisse or our affiliates in connection with our structuring and offering of the securities (except to the extent discounts or commissions are reallowed to other broker-dealers or any costs are paid to third parties).

On the Trade Date, we value the components of the securities in accordance with our pricing models. These include a fixed income component valued using our internal funding rate, and individual option components valued using mid-market pricing. As such, the payout on the securities can be replicated using a combination of these components and the value of these components, as determined by us using our pricing models, will impact the terms of the securities at issuance. Our option valuation models are proprietary. Our pricing models take into account factors such as interest rates, volatility and time to maturity of the securities, and they rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect.

Because Credit Suisse’s 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 Credit Suisse (even among issuers with similar creditworthiness), our estimated value at any time may not be comparable to estimated values of similar securities of other issuers.

§ Effect of interest rate in structuring the securities. The internal funding rate we use in structuring notes such as these securities is typically lower than the interest rate that is reflected in the yield on our conventional debt securities of similar maturity in the secondary market (our “secondary market credit spreads”).  If on the Trade Date our internal funding rate is lower than our secondary market credit spreads, we expect that the economic terms of the securities will generally be less favorable to you than they would have been if our secondary market credit spread had been used in structuring the securities. We will also use our internal funding rate to determine the price of the securities if we post a bid to repurchase your securities in secondary market transactions. See “—Secondary Market Prices” below.

§ Secondary market prices. If Credit Suisse (or an affiliate) bids for your securities in secondary market transactions, which we are not obligated to do, the secondary market price (and the value used for account statements or otherwise) may be higher or lower than the Price to Public and the estimated value of the securities on the Trade Date. The estimated value of the securities on the cover of this pricing supplement does not represent a minimum price at which we would be willing to buy the securities in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The secondary market price of your securities at any time cannot be predicted and will reflect the then-current estimated value determined by reference to our pricing models and other factors. These other factors include our internal funding rate, customary bid and ask spreads and other transaction costs, changes in market conditions and any deterioration or improvement in our creditworthiness. In circumstances where our internal funding rate is lower than our secondary market credit spreads, our secondary market bid for your securities could be more favorable than what other dealers might bid because, assuming all else equal, we use the lower internal funding rate to price the securities and other dealers might use the higher secondary market credit spread to price them. Furthermore, assuming no change in market conditions from the Trade Date, the secondary market price of your securities will be lower than the Price to Public because it will not include any discounts or commissions and hedging and other transaction costs. If you sell your securities to a dealer in a

February 2017 Page 8

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

secondary market transaction, the dealer may impose an additional discount or commission, and as a result the price you receive on your securities may be lower than the price at which we may repurchase the securities from such dealer.

We (or an affiliate) may initially post a bid to repurchase the securities from you at a price that will exceed the then-current estimated value of the securities. That higher price reflects our projected profit and costs that were included in the Price to Public, and that higher price may also be initially used for account statements or otherwise. We (or our affiliate) may offer to pay this higher price, for your benefit, but the amount of any excess over the then-current estimated value will be temporary and is expected to decline over a period of approximately 90 days.

The securities are not designed to be short-term trading instruments and any sale prior to maturity could result in a substantial loss to you. You should be willing and able to hold your securities to maturity.

§ Credit Suisse is subject to Swiss regulation. 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, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) may open resolution proceedings if there are justified concerns that Credit Suisse is over-indebted, has serious liquidity problems or no longer fulfills capital adequacy requirements. 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. If one or more of these measures were imposed, such measures may adversely affect the terms and market value of the securities and/or the ability of Credit Suisse to make payments thereunder and you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the securities.

§ Lack of liquidity. The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Credit Suisse (or its affiliates) intends to offer to purchase the securities in the secondary market but is not required to do so. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities when you wish to do so. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Credit Suisse (or its affiliates) is willing to buy the securities. If you have to sell your securities prior to maturity, you may not be able to do so or you may have to sell them at a substantial loss.

§ Potential conflicts. We and our affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the securities, including acting as calculation agent and as agent of the issuer for the offering of the securities, hedging our obligations under the securities and determining their estimated value. In performing these duties, the economic interests of us and our affiliates are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities. For instance, as calculation agent, Credit Suisse International will determine the Initial Level and the Payment at Maturity. Moreover, certain determinations made by Credit Suisse International, in its capacity as calculation agent, may require it to exercise discretion and make subjective judgments, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events and the selection of a successor underlying or calculation of the closing level in the event of a market disruption event or discontinuance of the Underlying. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity, if any. In addition, hedging activities by us or our affiliates on or prior to the Trade Date could potentially increase the Initial Level, and therefore, could increase the level at or above which the Underlying must close so that you are not exposed to the negative performance of the Underlying on the Valuation Date. Further, hedging activities may adversely affect any payment on or the value of the securities. Any profit in connection with such hedging activities will be in addition to any other compensation that we and our affiliates receive for the sale of the securities, which creates an additional incentive to sell the securities to you.

§ Unpredictable economic and market factors will affect the value of the securities. The payout on the securities can be replicated using a combination of the components described in “The estimated value of the securities on the Trade Date is less than the Price to Public.” Therefore, in addition to the level of the Underlying, the terms of the securities at issuance and the value of the securities prior to maturity may be influenced by factors that impact the value of fixed income securities and options in general such as:

o       the expected and actual volatility of the Underlying;

o       the time to maturity of the securities;

February 2017 Page 9

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

o       the dividend rate on the equity securities included in the Underlying;

o       interest and yield rates in the market generally;

o       investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation;

o       geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the components included in the Underlying or markets generally and which may affect the level of the Underlying; and

o       our creditworthiness, including actual or anticipated downgrades in our credit ratings.

Some or all of these factors may influence the price that you will receive if you choose to sell your securities prior to maturity. The impact of any of the factors set forth above may enhance or offset some or all of any change resulting from another factor or factors.

§ No ownership rights relating to the Underlying. Your return on the securities will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the equity securities that comprise the Underlying. The return on your investment is not the same as the total return you would receive based on the purchase of the equity securities that comprise the Underlying. For example, as a holder of the securities, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends or other distributions or other rights with respect to the equity securities that comprise the Underlying.

§ Adjustments to the Underlying could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of the Underlying may add, delete or substitute the component stocks of the Underlying or make other methodological changes that could change the value of the Underlying. Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of the securities. The publisher of the Underlying may also discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the Underlying at any time. In these circumstances, Credit Suisse International, as the calculation agent, will have the sole discretion to substitute a successor underlying that is comparable to the discontinued Underlying. Credit Suisse International could have an economic interest that is different than that of investors in the securities insofar as, for example, Credit Suisse International is permitted to consider Underlyings that are calculated and published by Credit Suisse International or any of its affiliates. If Credit Suisse International determines that there is no appropriate successor underlying on the Valuation Date, the amount payable at maturity will be based on the value of the Underlying, based on the closing prices of the stocks constituting the Underlying at the time of such discontinuance, without rebalancing or substitution, computed by Credit Suisse International as calculation agent in accordance with the formula for calculating the Underlying last in effect prior to such discontinuance, as compared to the Initial Level.

§ The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the securities are not certain. There are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings, or judicial decisions addressing the characterization, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of instruments with terms that are substantially the same as those of the securities. No ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been sought as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities, and the tax treatment described under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” is not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the securities are not certain.

Supplemental Use of Proceeds and Hedging

We intend to use the proceeds of this offering for our general corporate purposes, which may include the refinancing of existing debt outside Switzerland. Some or all of the proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities may be used in connection with hedging our obligations under the securities through one or more of our affiliates. Such hedging or trading activities on or prior to the Trade Date and during the term of the securities could adversely affect the value of the Underlying and, as a result, could decrease the amount you may receive on the securities at maturity. For additional information, see “Supplemental Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement.

February 2017 Page 10

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

EURO STOXX 50^® Index Overview

The EURO STOXX 50^® Index, which is calculated, maintained and published by STOXX Limited, a company owned by Deutsche Börse AG and SIX Group AG, provides a blue-chip representation of supersector leaders in the Eurozone. The EURO STOXX 50^® Index represents supersector leaders in the Eurozone in terms of free-float market capitalization and covers 50 stocks from 12 Eurozone countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Publication of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index was introduced on February 26, 1998, with a base value of 1,000 as of December 31, 1991.

Information as of market close on February 15, 2017:

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol:	SX5E
Current Closing Level:	3,323.71
52 Weeks Ago (on 2/17/2016):	2,897.72
52 Week High (on 1/25/2017):	3,326.15
52 Week Low (on 6/27/2016):	2,697.44

The following graph sets forth the daily closing levels of the Underlying for the period from January 3, 2012 through February 15, 2017. The related table sets forth the published high and low closing levels, as well as end-of-quarter closing levels, of the Underlying for each quarter in the same period. The closing level of the Underlying on February 15, 2017 was 3,323.71. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets without independent verification. You should not take the historical values of the Underlying as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the closing level of the Underlying on the Valuation Date.

For additional information about the EURO STOXX 50^® Index, see the information set forth under “The Reference Indices—EURO STOXX 50^® Index” in the accompanying underlying supplement.

EURO STOXX 50^® Index Daily Closing Levels

January 3, 2012 to February 15, 2017 

February 2017 Page 11

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

EURO STOXX 50® Index	High	Low	Period End
2012
First Quarter	2,608.42	2,286.45	2,477.28
Second Quarter	2,501.18	2,068.66	2,264.72
Third Quarter	2,594.56	2,151.54	2,454.26
Fourth Quarter	2,659.95	2,427.32	2,635.93
2013
First Quarter	2,749.27	2,570.52	2,624.02
Second Quarter	2,835.87	2,511.83	2,602.59
Third Quarter	2,936.20	2,570.76	2,893.15
Fourth Quarter	3,111.37	3,314.80	3,109.00
2014
First Quarter	3,172.43	2,962.49	3,161.60
Second Quarter	3,314.80	3,091.52	3,228.24
Third Quarter	3,289.75	3,006.83	3,225.93
Fourth Quarter	3,277.38	2,874.65	3,146.43
2015
First Quarter	3,731.35	3,007.91	3,697.38
Second Quarter	3,828.78	3,424.30	3,424.30
Third Quarter	3,686.58	3,019.34	3,100.67
Fourth Quarter	3,506.45	3,069.05	3,267.52
2016
First Quarter	3,178.01	2,680.35	3,004.93
Second Quarter	3,151.69	2,697.44	2,864.74
Third Quarter	3,091.66	2,761.37	3,002.24
Fourth Quarter	3,290.52	2,954.53	3,290.52
2017
First Quarter (through February 15, 2017)	3,326.15	3,230.68	3,323.71

February 2017 Page 12

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following discussion summarizes material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the securities that may be relevant to holders of the securities that acquire their securities from us as part of the original issuance of the securities. This discussion applies only to holders that hold their securities as capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Further, this discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your individual circumstances or if you are subject to special rules, such as if you are:

· a financial institution,

· a mutual fund,

· a tax-exempt organization,

· a grantor trust,

· certain U.S. expatriates,

· an insurance company,

· a dealer or trader in securities or foreign currencies,

· a person (including traders in securities) using a mark-to-market method of accounting,

· a person who holds the securities as a hedge or as part of a straddle with another position, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction, or

· an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The discussion is based upon the Code, law, regulations, rulings and decisions, in each case, as available and in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Tax consequences under state, local and foreign laws are not addressed herein. No ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been sought as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities, and the following discussion is not binding on the IRS.

You should consult your tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences to you of owning and disposing of the securities, including the application of federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws based on your particular facts and circumstances.

Characterization of the Securities

There are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings, or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as those of your securities. Thus, the characterization of the securities is not certain. Our special tax counsel, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, has advised that the securities should be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as prepaid financial contracts, with respect to the Underlying that are eligible for open transaction treatment. In the absence of an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, we and, by acceptance of the securities, you agree to treat the securities for all tax purposes in accordance with such characterization. In light of the fact that we agree to treat the securities as prepaid financial contracts, the balance of this discussion assumes that the securities will be so treated.

You should be aware that the characterization of the securities as described above is not certain, nor is it binding on the IRS or the courts. Thus, it is possible that the IRS would seek to characterize your securities in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described below. For example, the IRS might assert that securities are debt instruments, which may result in adverse tax consequences. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the possible tax consequences of characterization of the securities as debt instruments. The securities are not, and we do not expect that the securities will be, listed on a securities exchange. In the event the securities are listed on a securities exchange and the IRS seeks to characterize your securities as options, the securities would be characterized as Code section 1256 contracts. In such case, the securities would be marked-to-market at the end of the year and 40% of any gain or loss would be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, and the remaining 60% of any gain or loss would be treated as

February 2017 Page 13

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

long-term capital gain or loss. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences that you may experience as a result of any alternative characterization of the securities 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 your securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

U.S. Holders

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder,” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, means a beneficial owner of securities that is (1) a citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (4) a trust, if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) such trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of such partnership and a partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership, or a partner of a partnership, holding securities, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you from the partnership’s purchase, ownership and disposition of the securities.

In accordance with the agreed-upon tax treatment described above, upon the redemption, sale or other taxable disposition of a security, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other taxable disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the security. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss in the case of a U.S. Holder that has held the security for more than one year (excluding the look back observation period, if applicable) at the time of disposition and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise.

Medicare Tax

Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates, and trusts must pay a 3.8% tax (the “Medicare Tax”) on the lesser of the U.S. Holder’s (1) “net investment income” or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust and (2) the excess of modified adjusted gross income over a certain specified threshold for the taxable year. “Net investment income” generally includes income from interest, dividends, and net gains from the disposition of property (such as the securities) unless such income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that is a passive activity with respect to the taxpayer or a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities). Net investment income may be reduced by allowable deductions properly allocable to such gross income or net gain. Any interest earned or deemed earned on the securities and any gain on sale or other taxable disposition of the securities will be subject to the Medicare Tax. If you are an individual, estate, or trust, you should consult with your tax advisor regarding application of the Medicare Tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the securities.

Securities Held Through Foreign Entities

Under certain provisions of the “Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act,” generally referred to as “FATCA,” and regulations thereunder, a 30% withholding tax is imposed on “withholdable payments” and certain “passthru payments” made to “foreign financial institutions” (as defined in the regulations or an applicable intergovernmental agreement) (and their more than 50% affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees, among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account at the institution (or the institution’s affiliates) and to annually report certain information about such account. The term “withholdable payments” generally includes (1) payments of fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits, and income (“FDAP”), in each case, from sources within the United States, and (2) gross proceeds from the sale of any property of a type which can produce interest or dividends from sources within the United States. “Passthru payments” means any withholdable payment and any foreign passthru payment. To avoid becoming subject to the 30% withholding tax on payments to it, a financial institution may be required to report information to the IRS regarding the holders of the securities. In the case of holders who (i) fail to provide the relevant information, (ii) are foreign financial

February 2017 Page 14

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

institutions who have not agreed to comply with these information reporting requirements, or (iii) hold the securities directly or indirectly through such non-compliant foreign financial institutions, a payor may be required to withhold on a portion of payments under the securities. FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%. If payments on the securities are determined to be from sources within the United States, such payments will be treated as withholdable payments for these purposes.

Withholding under FATCA will apply to all withholdable payments and certain passthru payments without regard to whether the beneficial owner of the payment is a U.S. person, or would otherwise be entitled to an exemption from the imposition of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty with the United States or pursuant to U.S. domestic law. Unless a foreign financial institution is the beneficial owner of a payment, it will be subject to refund or credit in accordance with the same procedures and limitations applicable to other taxes withheld on FDAP payments provided that the beneficial owner of the payment furnishes such information as the IRS determines is necessary to determine whether such beneficial owner is a U.S.-owned foreign entity and the identity of any substantial U.S. owners of such entity. If such withholding applies, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

Subject to the exceptions described below, FATCA’s withholding regime generally will apply to (i) withholdable payments (other than gross proceeds of the type described above and certain payments made with respect to a “preexisting obligation,” as defined in the regulations), (ii) payments of gross proceeds of the type described above with respect to a sale or disposition occurring after December 31, 2018, and (iii) foreign passthru payments made after the later of December 31, 2018, or the date that final regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payment” are published. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of FATCA discussed above generally will not apply to (a) with respect to foreign passthru payments, any obligation (other than an instrument that is treated as equity for U.S. tax purposes or that lacks a stated expiration or term) that is issued on or prior to the date that is six months after the date on which final regulations defining foreign passthru payments are published (a “grandfathered obligation”), (b) any obligation that produces withholdable payments solely because the obligation is treated as giving rise to a dividend equivalent pursuant to Code section 871(m) and the regulations thereunder that is outstanding at any point prior to six months after the date on which obligations of its type are first treated as giving rise to dividend equivalents, and (c) any agreement requiring a secured party to make payments with respect to collateral securing one or more grandfathered obligations (even if the collateral is not itself a grandfathered obligation). Thus, if you hold your securities through a foreign financial institution or foreign entity, a portion of any of your payments may be subject to 30% withholding.

Information Reporting Regarding Specified Foreign Financial Assets

The Code and regulations thereunder generally require individual U.S. Holders (“specified individuals”) and “specified domestic entities” with an interest in any “specified foreign financial asset” to file an annual report on IRS Form 8938 with information relating to the asset, including the maximum value thereof, for any taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or $75,000 at any time during the taxable year. Certain individuals are permitted to have an interest in a higher aggregate value of such assets before being required to file a report. Specified foreign financial assets include, with some limited exceptions, any financial account maintained at a foreign financial institution and any debt or equity interest in a foreign financial institution, including a financial institution organized under the laws of a U.S. possession, and any of the following that are held for investment and not held in an account maintained by a financial institution: (1) any stock or security issued by a person other than a U.S. person (including a person organized in a U.S. possession), (2) any financial instrument or contract that has an issuer or counterparty that is other than a U.S. person (including a person organized in a U.S. possession), and (3) any interest in a foreign entity. Additionally, the regulations provide that specified foreign financial assets include certain retirement and pension accounts and non-retirement savings accounts.

Pursuant to the regulations and subject to certain exceptions, “specified domestic entities” are domestic corporations, domestic partnerships, or certain trusts that are formed or used for the purposes of holding, directly or indirectly, specified foreign financial assets. Generally, specified domestic entities are certain corporations and partnerships, which are closely

February 2017 Page 15

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

held by a specified individual and that meet passive income or passive asset tests, and, with certain exceptions, domestic trusts that have one or more specified individuals or specified domestic entities as a current beneficiary.

Depending on the aggregate value of your investment in specified foreign financial assets, you may be obligated to file an IRS Form 8938 under this provision if you are an individual U.S. Holder or a specified domestic entity. Penalties apply to any failure to file IRS Form 8938. In the event a U.S. Holder (either a specified individual or specified domestic entity) does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such U.S. Holder for the related tax year may not close before the date which is three years after the date such information is filed. You should consult your tax advisor as to the possible application to you of this information reporting requirement and the related statute of limitations tolling provision.

Non-U.S. Holders Generally

Except as provided under “Securities Held Through Foreign Entities” and “Substitute Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Payments,” payments made with respect to the securities to a holder of the securities that is not a U.S. Holder (a “Non-U.S. Holder”) and that has no connection with the United States other than holding its securities will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax, provided that such Non-U.S. Holder complies with applicable certification requirements. Any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the securities by a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless (1) such gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of such Non-U.S. Holder or (2) in the case of an individual, such individual is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met. Any effectively connected gains described in clause (1) above realized by a Non-U.S. Holder that is, or is taxable as, a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

Non-U.S. Holders that are subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis with respect to their investment in the securities should refer to the discussion above relating to U.S. Holders.

Substitute Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Payments

The Code and regulations thereunder treat a “dividend equivalent” payment as a dividend from sources within the United States. Unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty with the United States, such payments generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30%. A “dividend equivalent” payment is defined under the Code as (i) a substitute dividend payment made pursuant to a securities lending or a sale-repurchase transaction that (directly or indirectly) is contingent upon, or determined by reference to, the payment of a dividend from sources within the United States, (ii) a payment made pursuant to a specified notional principal contract (a “specified NPC”) that (directly or indirectly) is contingent upon, or determined by reference to, the payment of a dividend from sources within the United States, and (iii) any other payment determined by the IRS to be substantially similar to a payment described in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii).

Final regulations provide that a dividend equivalent is any payment that references the payment of (i) a dividend from an underlying security pursuant to a securities lending or sale-repurchase transaction, (ii) a dividend from an underlying security pursuant to a specified NPC, (iii) a dividend from an underlying security pursuant to a specified equity-linked instrument (a “specified ELI”), and (iv) any other substantially similar payment. The regulations provide that a payment includes a dividend equivalent payment whether there is an explicit or implicit reference to a dividend with respect to the underlying security. An underlying security is any interest in an entity if a payment with respect to that interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend pursuant to Treasury regulation section 1.861-3. An NPC is a notional principal contract as defined in Treasury regulation section 1.446-3(c). An equity-linked instrument (“ELI”) is a financial instrument (other than a securities lending or sale-repurchase transaction or an NPC) that references the value of one or more underlying securities, including a futures contract, forward contract, option, debt instrument, or other contractual arrangement. A “section 871(m) transaction” is any securities lending or sale-repurchase transaction, specified NPC, or specified ELI.

February 2017 Page 16

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

For payments made before January 1, 2017, the regulations provide that a specified NPC is any notional principal contract (“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. An NPC that is treated as a specified NPC pursuant to the preceding rule will remain a specified NPC on or after January 1, 2017.

Pursuant to Notice 2016-76, for any payment made on or after January 1, 2017 with respect to any transaction issued on or after January 1, 2017, any NPC or ELI that has a delta of one with respect to an underlying security when the NPC or ELI is issued is a specified NPC or specified ELI, respectively. For any payment made on or after January 1, 2018 with respect to any transaction issued on or after January 1, 2018, (a) a “simple” NPC or “simple” ELI that has a delta of 0.8 or greater with respect to an underlying security when the NPC or ELI is issued is a specified NPC or specified ELI, respectively, and (b) a “complex” NPC or “complex” ELI that meets a substantial equivalence test with respect to an underlying security at the time of issuance is a specified NPC or specified ELI, respectively.

Certain events could cause previously issued securities to be deemed to be issued as new securities for purposes of the effective dates provided in Notice 2016-76. For example, it is possible that the IRS could assert that a reconstitution or rebalancing of the underlying is a significant modification of the securities due to an exercise of discretion with respect to such reconstitution or rebalancing and, therefore, a deemed issuance of the securities upon the occurrence of such event. It is also possible that U.S. withholding tax could apply to the securities under these rules if a Non-U.S. Holder enters, or has entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the underlying equity or the securities. A Non-U.S. Holder that enters, or has entered, into other transactions in respect of the underlying or the securities should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of Code section 871(m) to its securities in the context of its other transactions.

Withholding on payments will be based on actual dividends or, if stated in writing on the issue date of the securities, on estimated dividends used in pricing the security. If an adjustment is made for the actual dividends, then the true-up payment (in addition to the estimated dividend) is added to the per-share dividend amount. If a transaction is a section 871(m) transaction, information regarding the amount of each dividend equivalent, the delta of the potential 871(m) transaction, the amount of any tax withheld and deposited, the estimated dividend amount and any other information necessary to apply the regulations will be provided, communicated, or made available to Non-U.S. Holders in a manner permitted by the applicable regulations.

In accordance with Notice 2016-76, U.S. tax will be withheld on any portion of a payment or deemed payment (including, if appropriate, the payment of the purchase price) that is a dividend equivalent with respect to any security issued (or deemed issued) on or after January 1, 2017 and prior to January 1, 2018 that has a delta of one unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty and a properly executed IRS Form W-8 (or other qualifying documentation) is provided. Based on the terms of the securities and representations provided by us as of the applicable pricing date, our counsel is of the opinion that a security (exclusive of any other transactions that may be combined with the security as discussed herein) should not be a “delta-one transaction” within the meaning of Notice 2016-76. If withholding applies, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. These final and temporary regulations are extremely complex. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of these final and temporary regulations and whether payments or deemed payments on the securities constitute dividend equivalent payments.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders

A security may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual Non-U.S. Holder holds the security at the time of his or her death. The gross estate of a Non-U.S. Holder domiciled outside the United States includes only property situated in the United States. Individual Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the securities at death.

Potential Changes to the Tax Rules for Financial Instruments

February 2017 Page 17

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Members of Congress have from time to time proposed legislation relating to financial instruments, including legislation that would require holders to annually mark to market affected financial instruments (potentially including the securities). These or other potential changes in law could adversely affect the tax treatment of the securities and may be applied with retroactive effect. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding how any such potential changes in law could affect you.

In Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury Department stated they are considering issuing new regulations or other guidance on whether holders of an instrument such as the securities should be required to accrue income during the term of the instrument. The IRS and Treasury Department also requested taxpayer comments on (1) the appropriate method for accruing income or expense (e.g., a mark-to-market methodology or a method resembling the noncontingent bond method), (2) whether income and gain on such an instrument should be ordinary or capital, and (3) whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual. Additionally, unofficial statements made by IRS officials have indicated that they will soon be addressing the treatment of prepaid forward contracts in proposed regulations.

Accordingly, it is possible that regulations or other guidance may be issued that require holders of the securities to recognize income in respect of the securities prior to receipt of any payments thereunder or sale thereof. Any regulations or other guidance that may be issued could result in income and gain (either at maturity or upon sale) in respect of the securities being treated as ordinary income. It is also possible that a Non-U.S. Holder of the securities could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the securities under such regulations or other guidance. It is not possible to determine whether such regulations or other guidance will apply to your securities (possibly on a retroactive basis). You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding Notice 2008-2 and its possible impact on you.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

A holder of the securities (whether a U.S. Holder or a Non-U.S. Holder) may be subject to backup withholding with respect to certain amounts paid to such holder unless it provides a correct taxpayer identification number, complies with certain certification procedures establishing that it is not a U.S. Holder or establishes proof of another applicable exemption, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. You can claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules, and amounts in excess of your liability are refundable if you provide the required information to the IRS in a timely fashion. A holder of the securities may also be subject to information reporting to the IRS with respect to certain amounts paid to such holder unless it (1) is a Non-U.S. Holder and provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8 (or other qualifying documentation) or (2) otherwise establishes a basis for exemption. If such withholding applies, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

February 2017 Page 18

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Supplemental Plan of Distribution

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in a distribution agreement dated May 7, 2007, as amended, which we refer to as the distribution agreement, we have agreed to sell the securities to CSSU. The distribution agreement provides that CSSU is obligated to purchase all of the securities if any are purchased.

CSSU will offer the securities at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement and will receive underwriting discounts and commissions of $0.225 per $10 principal amount of securities. MSSB and its financial advisors will collectively receive from CSSU discounts and commissions of $0.225 for each security they sell, of which $0.05 per $10 principal amount of securities reflects a structuring fee. CSSU may re-allow some or all of the discount on the principal amount per security on sales of such securities by other brokers or dealers. If all of the securities are not sold at the initial offering price, CSSU may change the public offering price and other selling terms.

An affiliate of Credit Suisse has paid or may pay in the future a fixed amount to broker dealers in connection with the costs of implementing systems to support these securities.

The agent for this offering, CSSU, is our affiliate. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, CSSU may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the customer. A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used by CSSU or one of its affiliates in connection with hedging our obligations under the securities.

We expect to deliver the securities against payment for the securities on the Settlement Date indicated herein, which may be a date that is greater than three business days following the Trade Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the Settlement Date is more than three business days after the Trade Date, purchasers who wish to transact in the securities more than three business days prior to the Settlement Date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

For further information, please refer to “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement.

February 2017 Page 19

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Validity of the Securities

In the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, as United States counsel to Credit Suisse, when the securities offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and issued by Credit Suisse and authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the indenture, and delivered against payment therefor, such securities will be valid and binding obligations of Credit Suisse, enforceable against Credit Suisse in accordance with their terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights and (iii) concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability (including, without limitation, concepts of good faith, fair dealing and the lack of bad faith), provided that such counsel expresses no opinion as to the effect of fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar provision of applicable law on the conclusions expressed above. This opinion is given as of the date of this pricing supplement and is limited to the laws of the State of New York, except that such counsel expresses no opinion as to the application of state securities or Blue Sky laws to the securities. Insofar as this opinion involves matters governed by Swiss law, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has relied, without independent inquiry or investigation, on the opinion of Homburger AG, dated February 14, 2017 and filed by Credit Suisse as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 6-K on February 14, 2017. The opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is subject to the same assumptions, qualifications and limitations with respect to such matters as are contained in the opinion of Homburger AG. In addition, the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is subject to customary assumptions about the establishment of the terms of the securities, the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture and its authentication of the securities, and the validity, binding nature and enforceability of the indenture with respect to the trustee, all as stated in the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP dated February 14, 2017, which was filed by Credit Suisse as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 6-K on February 14, 2017. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP expresses no opinion as to waivers of objections to venue, the subject matter or personal jurisdiction of a United States federal court or the effectiveness of service of process other than in accordance with applicable law. In addition, such counsel notes that the enforceability in the United States of Section 10.08(c) of the indenture is subject to the limitations set forth in the United States Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976.

February 2017 Page 20

 

PLUS Based on the Value of the EURO STOXX 50^® Index due June 5, 2018 

Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM  

Principal at Risk Securities

Contact

MSSB clients may contact their local Morgan Stanley branch office or Morgan Stanley’s principal executive offices at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 (telephone number (212) 761-4000). All other clients may contact their local brokerage representative. Third-party distributors may contact Morgan Stanley Structured Investment Sales at (800) 780-2731.

February 2017 Page 21