CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities Offered |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Amount of Registration Fee(1) | ||
Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A |
$7,500,031.47 | $870.75 |
(1) | Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933. |
Pricing Supplement dated January 20, 2011 to the YEELDS® Product Supplement dated August 31, 2010 to the Prospectus Supplement dated August 31, 2010 and the Prospectus dated August 31, 2010 |
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration No. 333-169119 |
$7,500,031.47 YEELDS®
BARCLAYS BANK PLC
GLOBAL MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES A
Yield Enhanced Equity Linked Debt Securities (“YEELDS®”) Due July 27, 2011
Performance Linked to the Common Stock of Celanese Corporation, Series Number E-6341
Because these notes are part of a series of Barclays Bank PLC’s debt securities called Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A, this pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, dated August 31, 2010 (the “YEELDS® product supplement”) should also be read with the accompanying prospectus supplement, dated August 31, 2010 relating to Barclays Bank PLC’s Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A (the “prospectus supplement”) and the accompanying prospectus dated August 31, 2010 (the “base prospectus”). Terms used here have the meanings given them in the YEELDS® product supplement, the prospectus supplement or the base prospectus, unless the context requires otherwise.
Any payment on the notes, including any payment due prior to maturity or at maturity, is subject to the creditworthiness of the Issuer and is not guaranteed by any third party. For a description of risks with respect to the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due, see “Additional Risk Factors—Any payments due on the notes are subject to the creditworthiness of the Issuer” on page PS-2 of this pricing supplement.
See “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PR-10 of the YEELDS® product supplement and beginning on page S-5 of the prospectus supplement for a description of risks relating to an investment in the Notes.
YEELDS® constitute our direct, unconditional, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and are not deposit liabilities of Barclays Bank PLC and are not insured by the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction.
We may use this pricing supplement in the initial sale of YEELDS®. In addition, Barclays Capital Inc. or another of our affiliates may use this pricing supplement in market resale transactions in any YEELDS® after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement is being used in a market resale transaction.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this pricing supplement, any accompanying YEELDS® product supplement or any accompanying prospectus supplement or base prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Price to Public |
Agent’s Commission |
Proceeds to | ||||
Per Note |
100% | 0.00% | 100% | |||
Total |
$7,500,031.47 | $0.00 | $7,500,031.47 |
Please see “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement for more information.
“YEELDS® ” is a registered trademark of Barclays Capital Inc.
Barclays Bank PLC has filed a registration statement (including a base prospectus) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for this offering. Before you invest, you should read this pricing supplement together with the base prospectus, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement relating to our Series A medium-term notes of which the notes are a part and the YEELDS® product supplement. Purchasers should rely upon the base prospectus, the prospectus supplement, the YEELDS® product supplement, this pricing supplement, any other relevant terms supplement and any relevant free writing prospectus for complete details. This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the notes and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications concerning the notes. To the extent that there are any inconsistencies among the documents listed below, this pricing supplement shall supersede the YEELDS® product supplement, which shall, likewise, supersede the base prospectus and the prospectus supplement. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying YEELDS® product supplement as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the notes. You may get these documents and other documents Barclays Bank PLC has filed for free by searching the SEC online database at www.sec.gov, with “Barclays Bank PLC” as a search term or through the links below, or by emailing Barclays Bank PLC at us.syndicate.ops@barcap.com.
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):
• | YEELDS® product supplement dated August 31, 2010: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312510201792/d424b3.htm
• | Prospectus supplement dated August 31, 2010: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312510201604/d424b3.htm
• | Base prospectus dated August 31, 2010: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312510201448/df3asr.htm
Any payments due on the notes are subject to the creditworthiness of the Issuer.
The notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, Barclays Bank PLC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. Any payment to be made on the notes, including any payment due at maturity, depends on the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due and is not guaranteed by any third party. In the event Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the Notes.
If a market disruption event occurs on a day that would otherwise be the valuation date, there will be a delay in settlement of the notes.
If a market disruption event occurs on a day that would otherwise be the valuation date, settlement of the notes will be delayed, depending on the circumstances surrounding the market disruption event, for up to eight scheduled trading days for the postponed valuation date following the stated maturity date.
Postponement of the valuation date may result in a reduced amount payable at maturity.
As the payment at maturity is a function of, among other things, the adjusted volume-weighted average price of common stock. The postponement of the valuation date may result in the application of a different adjusted volume-weighted average price, and, accordingly, decrease the payment you receive at maturity.
The tax consequences are uncertain.
The U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes is uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the notes should be taxed in a manner that is different than described herein. As discussed further in the accompanying product supplement, on
PS-2
December 7, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service issued a notice indicating that it and the Treasury Department are actively considering whether, among other issues, you should be required to accrue interest over the term of an instrument such as the notes at a rate that could potentially exceed the interest paid currently on the notes and whether all or part of the gain you may recognize upon the sale or maturity of an instrument such as the notes could be treated as ordinary income. The outcome of this process is uncertain and could apply on a retroactive basis. You should consult your tax advisor as to the possible alternative treatments in respect of the notes.
VOLUME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE
The volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of a common stock is different from the closing price of a common stock. Volume-weighted average price is a measure of the average price of a common stock over a specified time period (usually one day) and is equal to (1) the sum of the total value traded for every reported transaction (trade price times total number of shares traded) during the specified time period, divided by (2) the total number of shares traded during such time period. The closing price of a common stock is the last reported sales price for that security on the relevant exchange at the scheduled weekday closing time of the regular trading session of the relevant exchange.
In the case of the notes, the volume-weighted average price of the common stock means the volume-weighted average price calculated by Bloomberg L.P. and displayed on Bloomberg page “CE<EQUITY>AQR”, or any successor page, in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., New York City time. If Bloomberg does not calculate and report the volume-weighted average price on the valuation date, the calculation agent shall calculate the volume-weighted average price on such day.
Unlike the closing price of a common stock, which is generally available in financial newspapers and other publicly disseminated media, the volume-weighted average price of the common stock upon which the value of the notes will be based is generally only available through Bloomberg L.P.
POSTPONEMENT OF THE VALUATION DATE BECAUSE OF A MARKET DISRUPTION EVENT
If a market disruption event occurs on a day that would otherwise be the valuation date, as set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement, such valuation date will be postponed until the next scheduled trading day on which no market disruption event occurs; provided, however, if a market disruption event occurs on each of the eight scheduled trading days following the originally scheduled valuation date, then (a) that eighth scheduled trading day shall be deemed to be that valuation date and (b) the calculation agent shall determine the adjusted volume-weighted average price of the common stock for that eighth scheduled trading day, based upon its good faith estimate of the value of the common stock as of the close of trading on the relevant exchange on such day.
EXAMPLES OF AMOUNT PAYABLE AT MATURITY
Here are three examples of the amount that may be payable on the stated maturity date. In each of these examples it is assumed that (1) the actual aggregate dividend of the common stock equals its expected aggregate dividend as of the valuation date and (2) the multiplier has not been adjusted.
Example 1. Assuming the settlement value is $35.00 after applying the initial multiplier:
As a result, because the settlement value of $35.00 is less than $45.573, on the stated maturity date, you would receive $35.00 per note, plus any accrued but unpaid interest payments.
In the case of stock settlement in this example, you would receive on the stated maturity date a number of shares of the common stock equal to (1) the total cash value of payment due at maturity on the number of notes you own, divided by (2) the volume-weighted average price of the common stock on the valuation date.
PS-3
Accordingly you would receive on the stated maturity date, if you held one note, 1 share of the common stock, plus any accrued but unpaid interest payments. To the extent that you hold more than one note, the calculations of cash payments in lieu of fractional shares would be made on an aggregate, rather than on a per note, basis. For example, if you held 181,029 notes, you would receive on the stated maturity date in total, 181,029 shares of the common stock plus accrued but unpaid interest payments.
Example 2. Assuming the settlement value is $42.00 after applying the initial multiplier:
As a result, because the settlement value of $42.00 is less than $45.573, on the stated maturity date, you would receive $42.00 per note, plus any accrued but unpaid interest payments.
In the case of stock settlement in this example, you would receive on the stated maturity date a number of shares of the common stock equal to (1) the total cash value of payment due at maturity on the number of notes you own, divided by (2) the volume-weighted average price of the common stock on the valuation date.
Accordingly you would receive on the stated maturity date, if you held one note, 1 share of the common stock, plus any accrued but unpaid interest payments. To the extent that you hold more than one note, the calculations of cash payments in lieu of fractional shares would be made on an aggregate, rather than on a per note, basis. For example, if you held 181,029 notes, you would receive on the stated maturity date in total, 181,029 shares of the common stock plus accrued but unpaid interest payments.
Example 3. Assuming the settlement value is $49.00 after applying the initial multiplier:
As a result, because the settlement value of $49.00 is greater than $45.573, on the stated maturity date, you would receive $45.573 per note, plus any accrued but unpaid interest payments.
In the case of stock settlement in this example, you would receive on the stated maturity date a number of shares of the common stock equal to (1) the total cash value of payment due at maturity on the number of notes you own, divided by (2) the volume-weighted average price of the common stock on the valuation date.
Accordingly you would receive on the stated maturity date, if you held one note, zero share of the common stock plus $45.573 in cash, plus any accrued but unpaid interest payments. To the extent that you hold more than one note, the calculations of cash payments in lieu of fractional shares would be made on an aggregate, rather than on a per note, basis. For example, if you held 181,029 notes, you would receive on the stated maturity date in total, 168,368 shares of the common stock plus $2.6169 in cash, plus accrued but unpaid interest payments.
To the extent the actual settlement value differs from the values assumed above or that the actual aggregate dividend of the common stock differs from its expected aggregate dividend as of the valuation date, the results indicated above would be different.
If the stock settlement option is elected, the market price of the shares of Celanese Corporation that you receive per note on the stated maturity date may be less than the amount that you would have received had the stock settlement option not been elected because the number of shares you receive will ordinarily be calculated based upon the adjusted volume-weighted average price of Celanese Corporation’s common stock on the valuation date.
STOCK SETTLEMENT OPTION
If Barclays Bank PLC elects to exercise its stock settlement option and Barclays Bank PLC provides the trustee not less than three business days’ prior written notice of such election, Barclays Bank PLC will, subject to the next paragraph, deliver on the stated maturity date a number of shares of the common stock equal to (1) the total cash value of payment due at maturity on the number of notes you own, divided by (2) the volume-weighted average price of the common stock on the valuation date.
If, however Barclays Bank PLC determines that it is prohibited from delivering such shares, or that it would otherwise be unduly burdensome to deliver such shares, on the stated maturity date, it will pay in cash the amount payable at maturity as if it had not elected the stock settlement option.
PS-4
If the calculation above results in a fractional share, Barclays Bank PLC will pay cash to you in an amount equal to that fractional share, based upon the adjusted volume-weighted average price of the common stock (and any other equity securities included in the calculation of the settlement value) on the valuation date.
Upon the occurrence of certain events, or if Celanese Corporation is involved in certain extraordinary transactions, the number of shares of Celanese Corporation to be delivered may be adjusted and Barclays Bank PLC may deliver, in lieu of or in addition to Celanese Corporation’s common stock, cash and any other equity securities used in the calculation of the settlement value, all as determined by the calculation agent. See “Description of the Notes—Adjustments to multipliers and to securities included in the calculation of the settlement value” in the accompanying YEELDS® product supplement.
Because the settlement value will ordinarily be determined on the valuation date, if Barclays Bank PLC elects the stock settlement option, the effect to holders will be as if the notes matured on the valuation date (subject to postponement as described above in the section entitled “Postponement of the Valuation Date, because of a Market Disruption Event”). Thus, the aggregate value of the shares of Celanese Corporation’s common stock and any other equity securities and cash that you receive at maturity may be more or less than the amount you would have received had Barclays Bank PLC not elected the stock settlement option as a result of fluctuations in the value of these securities during the period between the valuation date and the maturity date. Consequently, it is possible that the aggregate value of the cash and securities that you receive at maturity may be less than the payment that you would have received at maturity had Barclays Bank PLC not elected to settle the notes with shares of Celanese Corporation’s common stock. In the absence of any election notice to the trustee, Barclays Bank PLC will be deemed to have elected to pay the amount payable at maturity in cash.
COMMON STOCK ISSUER AND COMMON STOCK
Celanese Corporation
According to publicly available information, Celanese Corporation (the “Company”) is a producer of chemicals and advanced materials. The Company’s operations are primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia.
Information filed by the Company with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-32410, or its CIK Code: 0001306830. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CE”.
Information from outside sources is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered part of, this pricing supplement or any accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in outside sources.
Historical Information About the Common Stock
The following table presents the high and low closing prices for the common stock, as reported on Celanese Corporation during each fiscal quarter in 2007, 2008 2009, 2010 and 2011 (through January 20, 2011), and the closing price at the end of each quarter in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 (through the date of this pricing supplement).
The historical prices of the common stock are not necessarily indicative of future performance; accordingly, there can be no assurance that the payment you receive at maturity will equal or exceed the principal amount. The historical prices below have been adjusted to reflect any stock splits or reverse stock splits.
All information in the table that follows was obtained from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. The historical performance of the linked share should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the share during the term of the notes.
PS-5
High | Low | Period End | ||||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 31.27 | $ | 24.76 | $ | 30.84 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 38.78 | $ | 30.99 | $ | 38.78 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 41.98 | $ | 32.37 | $ | 38.98 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 44.33 | $ | 35.67 | $ | 42.32 | ||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 43.02 | $ | 33.79 | $ | 39.05 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 50.00 | $ | 40.46 | $ | 45.66 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 45.41 | $ | 25.91 | $ | 27.91 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 26.50 | $ | 7.60 | $ | 12.43 | ||||||
2009 |
||||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 14.96 | $ | 7.52 | $ | 13.37 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 23.86 | $ | 14.18 | $ | 23.75 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 27.50 | $ | 20.52 | $ | 25.00 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 33.08 | $ | 23.88 | $ | 32.10 | ||||||
2010 |
||||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 34.55 | $ | 29.10 | $ | 31.85 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 34.86 | $ | 24.91 | $ | 24.91 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 32.94 | $ | 23.84 | $ | 32.10 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 41.17 | $ | 31.57 | $ | 41.17 | ||||||
2011 |
||||||||||||
First Quarter (through January 20, 2011) |
$ | 43.87 | $ | 40.77 | $ | 40.77 |
HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS
The table below illustrates, for a range of hypothetical settlement values, in each case assuming that (a) the investment is held from the date on which the notes are first issued until the stated maturity date, (b) the actual aggregate dividend of the common stock equals its expected aggregate dividend as of the final valuation date and (c) that the multiplier has not been adjusted.
• | the hypothetical conversion value per note; |
• | the percentage change from the principal amount to the hypothetical conversion value; |
• | the total interest payments paid or payable on or before the stated maturity date per note; |
• | the hypothetical total amount payable per note on the stated maturity date;1 |
• | the hypothetical total annualized yield on the note on the stated maturity date;2 and |
• | the hypothetical total annualized yield from direct ownership of the common stock. |
1 | Excludes accrued but unpaid interest payments payable on the stated maturity date. |
2 | The hypothetical total annualized yield on the stated maturity date represents the interest rate per year used in determining the present values, discounted to the original issue date (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months compounded annually), of all payments made or to be made on the notes, including the amount payable on the stated maturity date and all interest payments through the stated maturity date, the sum of these present values being equal to the original issue price. |
PS-6
Hypothetical value |
Hypothetical value |
Percentage change |
Total interest or payable on or before the stated maturity |
Hypothetical total amount |
Hypothetical total annualized on the stated |
Hypothetical total annualized | ||||||
$0.0000 |
$0.0000 | -100% | $2.2165 | $0.0000 | -100.0% | -100.0% | ||||||
$8.2860 |
$8.2860 | -80% | $2.2165 | $8.2860 | -94.8% | -95.9% | ||||||
$16.5720 |
$16.5720 | -60% | $2.2165 | $16.5720 | -81.0% | -83.8% | ||||||
$24.8580 |
$24.8580 | -40% | $2.2165 | $24.8580 | -58.7% | -63.7% | ||||||
$33.1440 |
$33.1440 | -20% | $2.2165 | $33.1440 | -27.9% | -35.6% | ||||||
$41.4300 |
$41.4300 | 0% | $2.2165 | $41.4300 | 11.3% | 0.5% | ||||||
$49.7160 |
$49.7160 | 20% | $2.2165 | $45.5730 | 34.2% | 44.6% | ||||||
$58.0020 |
$58.0020 | 40% | $2.2165 | $45.5730 | 34.2% | 96.7% | ||||||
$66.2880 |
$66.2880 | 60% | $2.2165 | $45.5730 | 34.2% | 156.8% | ||||||
$74.5740 |
$74.5740 | 80% | $2.2165 | $45.5730 | 34.2% | 224.9% | ||||||
$82.8600 |
$82.8600 | 100% | $2.2165 | $45.5730 | 34.2% | 301.0% |
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual amount received by investors and the resulting total annualized yield will depend entirely on the actual settlement value determined by the calculation agent. In particular, the actual settlement value could be lower or higher than those reflected in the table.
You should compare the features of the notes to other available investments before deciding to purchase the notes. Due to the uncertainty concerning the settlement value, the return on investment with respect to the notes may be higher or lower than the return available on other securities issued by Barclays Bank PLC or by others. You should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering the suitability of the notes in light of your particular circumstances.
PS-7
SUPPLEMENTAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Some of the tax consequences of your investment in the notes are summarized below. The discussion below supplements the discussion under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying YEELDS® product supplement and “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Except as noted under “Non-U.S. Holders” below, this section applies to you only if you are a U.S. holder (as defined in the accompanying YEELDS® product supplement) and you hold your notes as capital assets for tax purposes and does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules or are otherwise excluded from the discussion in the product supplement.
The United States federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the notes should be taxed in a manner that is different than described below. Pursuant to the terms of the notes, Barclays Bank PLC and you agree, in the absence of a change in law or an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your notes as a pre-paid income-bearing executory contract with respect to the common stock that is subject to tax as described herein. If your notes are so treated, you will likely be taxed on interest paid on the notes as ordinary income in accordance with your regular method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. In addition, it would be reasonable for you to recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or cash-settlement upon maturity of your notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time (excluding amounts attributable to interest) and your tax basis in the notes. Because the term of your notes will not exceed one year, such gain or loss should generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Short-term capital gains are generally subject to tax at the marginal tax rates applicable to ordinary income. Any character mismatch arising from your inclusion of ordinary income and short-term capital loss (if any) upon the sale or maturity of your notes may result in adverse tax consequences to you because an investor’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to significant limitations. Moreover, in the event of physical settlement, such loss may be deferred (as described in the following paragraph).
If you receive shares upon the maturity of your notes pursuant to the stock settlement option, it is not clear whether the receipt of shares should be treated as (i) a taxable settlement of the notes followed by a purchase of the shares or (ii) a tax-free purchase of the shares pursuant to the original terms of the notes. Accordingly, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences to you of receiving shares upon the maturity of your notes. If the receipt of the shares is treated as a taxable settlement of the notes followed by a purchase of the shares, you should (i) recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares you receive at such time plus the cash received in lieu of a fractional share, if any, and your tax basis in the notes, and (ii) take a basis in such shares in an amount equal to their fair market value at such time. If, alternatively, the receipt of shares upon the maturity of your notes is treated as a tax-free purchase of the shares, (i) the receipt of shares upon maturity of your notes should not give rise to the current recognition of gain or loss at such time, (ii) you should take a carryover basis in such shares equal to the basis you had in your notes (determined as described below), and (iii) if you receive cash in lieu of a fractional share upon the stock settlement of such notes, you should recognize short-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash you receive and your tax basis in the fractional share. In general, your tax basis in your notes will be equal to the price you paid for the notes (excluding amounts paid in respect of accrued but unpaid interest). Your holding period in the shares you receive upon the maturity of your notes will begin on the date that you receive such shares.
In the opinion of our special tax counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, it would be reasonable to treat your notes in the manner described above. This opinion assumes that the description of the terms of the notes in this pricing supplement is materially correct.
As discussed further in the accompanying YEELDS® product supplement, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are actively considering various alternative treatments that may apply to instruments such as the notes, possibly with retroactive effect.
PS-8
For a further discussion of the tax treatment of your notes as well as possible alternative characterizations, please see the discussion under the heading “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying YEELDS® product supplement. You should consult your tax advisor as to the possible alternative treatments in respect of the notes. For additional, important considerations related to tax risks associated with investing in the notes, you should also examine the discussion about tax risks under “Additional Risk Factors”, in this pricing supplement.
Recently Enacted Legislation. Under recently enacted legislation, individuals that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000 in taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010 will generally be required to file an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following (which may include your notes), but only if they are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (ii) financial instruments and contracts held for investment that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties and (iii) interests in foreign entities. Individuals are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this legislation to their ownership of the notes.
Non-U.S. Holders. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes is uncertain, and alternative treatments are possible. Under one such alternative treatment, the notes could be viewed as a notional principal contract. Recently enacted legislation imposes a 30% withholding tax on any “dividend equivalent” payment made to a non-U.S. holder of a “specified notional principal contract”. It is possible, under the alternative characterization of the notes as a notional principal contract, that the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the notes should be treated as a “specified notional principal contract” that gives rise to payments subject to such withholding, particularly if the notes are stock settled. You should consult your tax advisor about this risk and other potential U.S. federal income tax risks associated with owning the notes.
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We have agreed to sell to Barclays Capital Inc. (the “Agent”), and the Agent has agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of the notes at the price specified on the cover of this pricing supplement. The Agent is committed to take and pay for all of the notes, if any are taken.
The Agent proposes to offer the notes initially at a public offering price equal to the price specified on the cover of this preliminary pricing supplement.
Delivery of the notes will be made against payment for the notes on or about the issue date indicated on the cover of this preliminary pricing supplement, which is the fifth business day following the inception date (that is, the notes will have a settlement cycle referred to as “T+5”).
PS-9