-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: keymaster@town.hall.org Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFkwCgYEVQgBAQICAgADSwAwSAJBALeWW4xDV4i7+b6+UyPn5RtObb1cJ7VkACDq pKb9/DClgTKIm08lCfoilvi9Wl4SODbR1+1waHhiGmeZO8OdgLUCAwEAAQ== MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, pZ/54lmxpfrcxHBkqTGW3Ta63Hh0wCn5BLzBdqrl65XcFN1MPuJJ/mfJEuN0T0dI 5Fkw1shD0KdtSTd6sm94TQ== 0000040554-94-000059.txt : 19940214 0000040554-94-000059.hdr.sgml : 19940214 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000040554-94-000059 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B3 CONFIRMING COPY: PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 19940211 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000040554 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: 6172 IRS NUMBER: 131500700 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B3 SEC ACT: 33 SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-49874 FILM NUMBER: 00000000 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 260 LONG RIDGE RD CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06927 BUSINESS PHONE: 2033574000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GENERAL ELECTRIC CREDIT CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19871216 424B3 1 MTN1773 PROSPECTUS Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated July 12, 1993 Dated February 1, 1994 PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Dated July 12, 1993 Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION GLOBAL MEDIUM-TERM NOTES (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Series: A _X_ B __ C __ Trade Date: January 31, 1994 Principal Amount (in Specified Currency): US$25,000,000 Settlement Date (Original Issue Date): February 14, 1994 If Specified Currency is other than U.S. dollars, equivalent amount in U.S. dollars: N/A Maturity Date: February 14,1997 Agent's Discount or Commission: 0.10% Price to Public (Issue Price): 100.00% Net Proceeds to Issuer (in Specified Currency): $24,975,000 Interest Rate: Interest Rate Per Annum: 2.50% per annum (30/360 day basis). Interest Payment Dates: Annual:_X_ Semi-Annual: Each February 14 and August 14, commencing on August 14, 1994 and ending on the Maturity Date. CAPITALIZED TERMS USED IN THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT WHICH ARE DEFINED IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS ASSIGNED TO THEM IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 2 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 Indexed Notes: The holders of the Notes will receive 100% of the principal amount of the Notes on the Maturity Date plus an additional amount of interest, if any, on the Maturity Date equal to the sum of the quarterly Incremental Values (as defined below) during each quarterly Reference Period (as defined below). See "Description of Notes" and "Certain Historical Information" below. Form and Denomination: The Notes will be issued in the form of one or more global notes which will be deposited with or on behalf of The Depository Trust Company. Notes will be available in minimum denominations of $500,000 and integral multiples thereof. Repayment, Redemption and Acceleration: Optional Repayment Date: N/A Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction: N/A Initial Redemption Date: N/A Modified Payment Upon Acceleration: N/A Initial Redemption Percentage: N/A Additional Terms: A description of the terms of the Notes is set forth under "Description of Notes" below. Investors should also read carefully the sections entitled "Certain Historical Information", "Certain Investment Considerations" and "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" set forth below. DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES The following description of the particular terms of the Notes offered hereby (the "Notes") supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the Notes set forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus dated July 12, 1993. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 3 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 General The Notes will mature on February 14, 1997 and the principal amount thereof will be repayable at par, plus an additional amount of interest equal to the sum of the quarterly Incremental Values (as defined below). The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to maturity by the Company or at the option of any holder. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company will act as the calculation agent (the "Calculation Agent"). All determination made by the Calculation Agent with respect to the Notes shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, in the absence of manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and the holders of the Notes. Interest Payments Interest will be payable semiannually in arrears at the rate of 2.50% per annum on February 14 and August 14 of each year, commencing on August 14, 1994 and ending on the Maturity Date (each, an "Interest Payment Date"). The amount of interest will be computed based on a 360 day year of twelve 30 day months. The holder shall also be entitled to receive an additional amount of interest, if any, payable on the maturity date as described below. Payment at Maturity Each Note is redeemable at 100% of its Principal Amount at maturity plus an additional amount of interest equal to the face amount of such Note multiplied by the Conversion Percentage (as defined below). For the purposes of the Notes, the following terms will have the following meanings: "Conversion Percentage" means, with respect to any Note, the sum of the Incremental Values for each of the 12 quarterly Reference Periods (as defined below), expressed as a percentage of the original face amount of such Note. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 4 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 "Incremental Value" means, with respect to any Note, a number, expressed as a percentage of the original face amount of the Note, computed at the end of each quarterly Reference Period by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following formula: Incremental Value = [0.35 X QVCu + 0.35 X QVAl + 0.20 X QVAg + 0.10 X QVNi]/12 Where, QVCu=means the quarterly incremental value attributable to the price of copper, which shall mean the greater of 0 or an amount computed in accordance with the following formula: [.8333 X (Average Daily Price of Copper per ton - $2,214.00)]/$1,845.00. QVAl=means the quarterly incremental value attributable to the price of aluminum, which shall mean the greater of 0 or an amount computed in accordance with the following formula: [.8333 X (Average Daily Price of Aluminum per ton - $1,472.00)]/$1,226.67. QVAg=means the quarterly incremental value attributable to the price of silver, which shall mean the greater of 0 or the amount computed in accordance with the following formula: [.8333 X (Average Daily Price of Silver per ounce - $6.1200)]/$5.1000. QVNi=means the quarterly incremental value attributable to the price of nickel, which shall mean the greater of 0 or the amount computed in accordance with the following formula: [.8333 X (Average Daily Price of Nickel per ton - $6,840.00)]/$5,700.00. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 5 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 "Average Daily Price of Copper per ton" means, with respect to a Reference Period (as defined below), the arithmetic mean rounded to the nearest tenth of a dollar (with $0.05 rounded to $0.10) , of the "Official Cash Settlement Price" established by the London Metal Exchange on each Exchange Business Day during such Reference Period for Grade "A" Copper as found on Reuters screen MTLE or, in the event such screen rate is not available, the offer price published in the Financial Times - London Metals Exchange/Copper, Grade A, "a.m. official" price on each Exchange Business Day during such Reference Period for Grade "A" Copper. In the event (i) there is no "Official Cash Settlement Price" established by the London Metal Exchange on any Exchange Business Day or (ii) Copper was not regularly being traded on the London Metal Exchange during such Settlement Period, The "Average Copper Price" shall mean such comparable measure of the cash value of Copper during such Settlement Period as quoted by three mutually acceptable London dealers. "Average Daily Price of Aluminum per ton" means, with respect to a Reference Period, the arithmetic mean rounded to the nearest tenth of a dollar (with $0.05 rounded to $0.10), of the "Official Cash Settlement Price" established by the London Metal Exchange as found on Reuters screen MTLE or, in the event such screen rate is not available, the offer price published in the Financial Times - London Metals Exchange/Aluminum, "a.m. official" price on each business day on each Exchange Business Day during such Reference Period for High Grade Aluminum. In the event (i) there is no "Official Cash Settlement Price" established by the London Metal Exchange on any Exchange Business Day or (ii) Aluminum was not regularly being traded on the London Metal Exchange during such Settlement Period, "Average Aluminum Price" shall mean such comparable measure of the cash value of Aluminum during such Settlement Period as quoted by three mutually acceptable London dealers. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 6 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 "Average Daily Price of Silver per ounce" means, with respect to a Reference Period, the arithmetic mean rounded to the nearest hundredth of a cent (with $0.005 rounded to $0.010), of the London Bullion Market Association ("LBMA") spot Silver Fixing as found on Telerate Page 406 or, in the event such screen rate is not available, as published in the Financial Times - London Bullion Market - Silver Fix Spot on the next business day on each Exchange Business Day during such Reference Period for Silver. In the event (i) there is no London Silver Fixing on any Exchange Business Day or (ii) Silver was not regularly being traded on the London Bullion Market during such Settlement Period, "Average Silver Price" shall mean such comparable measure of the cash value of Silver during such Settlement Period as quoted by three mutually acceptable London dealers. "Average Daily Price of Nickel per ton" means, with respect to a Reference Period, the arithmetic mean rounded to the nearest tenth of a dollar (with $.05 rounded to $0.10), of the "Official Cash Settlement Price" established by the London Metal Exchange on each Exchange Business Day during such Reference Period for Nickel as found on Reuters screen MTLE or, in the event such screen rate is not available, the offer price published in the Financial Times - London Metals Exchange/Nickel, "a.m. official" price on the next business day on each Exchange Business Day during such Reference Period for Nickel. In the event (i) there is no "Official Cash Settlement Price" established by the London Metal Exchange on any Exchange Business Day or (ii) Nickel was not regularly being traded on the London Metal Exchange during such Settlement Period, "Average Nickel Price" shall mean such comparable measure of the cash value of Nickel during such Settlement Period as quoted by three mutually acceptable London dealers. "Reuters Page MTLE" means the screen designated as "Page MTLE" on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as shall replace Page MTLE on that service for the purpose of displaying Official Cash Settlement Prices for Aluminum, Copper and Nickel). "Telerate Page 406" means the display designated as "Page 406" on the Dow Jones Telerate Service (or such other page as may replace Page 406 on that service or such other service for the purpose of displaying the Official Cash Settlement Price of Silver). (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 7 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 "Reference Periods" mean each of the twelve quarterly reference periods over which each Incremental Value will be measured: (i) commencing on February 1, 1994 and ending on April 30, 1994; (ii) commencing on May 1, 1994 and ending on July 31, 1994; (iii) commencing on August 1, 1994 and ending on October 31, 1994; (iv) commencing on November 1, 1994 and ending on January 31, 1995; (v) commencing on February 1, 1995 and ending on April 30, 1995; (vi) commencing on May 1, 1995 and ending on July 31, 1995; (vii) commencing on August 1, 1995 and ending on October 31, 1995; (viii) commencing on November 1, 1995 and ending on January 31, 1996; (ix) commencing on February 1, 1996 and ending on April 30, 1996; (x) commencing on May 1, 1996 and ending on July 31, 1996; (xi) commencing on August 1, 1996 and ending on October 31, 1996; (xii) commencing on November 1, 1996 and ending on January 31, 1997. "Exchange Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday on which the London Metal Exchange is open for trading. "U.S. dollar" or "$" mean the lawful currency of the United States of America. Events of Default and Acceleration In the case of an acceleration of the maturity of the Notes upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the amount payable to a holder of a Note will equal (i) the Principal Amount thereof, plus (ii) an additional amount, if any, of interest equal to (x) the sum of the quarterly Incremental Values through the end of the last Reference Period plus (y) the Incremental Value for the current Reference Period computed as if the date set for acceleration were the last day of such Reference Period and then multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of calendar days since the first day of the current Reference Period and the denominator of which is 90. CERTAIN HISTORICAL INFORMATION All disclosure contained in this Pricing Supplement regarding the prices of Aluminum, Copper, Nickel and Silver was derived from publicly available sources and prepared by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. In addition, the hypothetical Incremental Values and Conversion Percentages presented in the table below were calculated by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 8 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 Historical Data The table below sets forth the closing prices of Aluminum, Copper, Nickel and Silver for the quarterly dates indicated, together with a computation of the hypothetical Incremental Value and Conversion Percentage. The hypothetical Incremental Value for each quarter shows the percentage of the face amount of the Notes that would be payable on the maturity based on the prices of the component metals for such quarter. The hypothetical Conversion Percentage demonstrates the additional amount (expressed as a percentage of the face amount) that would have been payable if the Notes had been issued three years prior to, and matured on, such date. Closing Metal Prices, Hypothetical Incremental Value and Conversion Percentage Hypothetical US$/Metric Ton US / oz. Increm. Conv. Date Aluminum Copper Nickel Silver Value (%) 04/30/892,305.003,055.4015,150.005.643.77NA 07/31/891,765.002,576.4013,075.005.151.82NA 10/31/891,780.002,722.8010,087.505.231.68NA 01/31/901,380.002,191.606,155.005.220.00NA 04/30/901,500.002,588.809,300.004.940.85NA 07/31/901,720.002,862.509,975.004.861.73NA 10/31/901,940.002,651.608,675.004.221.73NA 01/31/911,470.002,408.108,540.003.830.46NA 04/30/911,340.002,499.809,137.503.930.66NA 07/31/911,265.802,242.708,145.004.070.20NA 10/31/911,160.502,398.107,465.003.590.32NA 01/31/921,221.502,190.807,665.004.130.1013.30 04/30/921,287.002,206.907,438.003.980.079.61 07/31/921,316.502,532.307,350.003.950.488.27 10/31/921,147.802,270.906,070.003.760.076.67 01/31/931,202.502,226.005,800.003.710.026.68 04/30/931,115.001,870.805,940.004.300.005.84 07/31/931,198.001,970.004,975.005.300.004.11 10/31/931,055.001,609.004,532.504.400.002.38 01/31/941,220.001,855.005,690.005.140.001.92 (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 9 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 The historical experiences of metal prices and the hypothetical computations of the quarterly Incremental Values and Conversion Percentages should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that metal prices and the corresponding Incremental Values, during the years in which the Notes are outstanding, will result in any payment in excess of the Principal Amount of the Notes at maturity. CERTAIN INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS In addition to the risks described in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Description of Notes -- Indexed Notes -- Risk Factors", the following special considerations may be relevant to a prospective investor in the Notes. Payment at Maturity Investors should be aware that in the event the average daily prices of copper, aluminum, nickel and silver do not exceed $2,214.00 (per ton), $1,472.00 (per ton), $6,840.00 (per ton) and $6.1200 (per oz.), respectively, for any of the twelve quarterly periods over the term of the Notes, no amount in excess of the Principal Amount will be payable at maturity. There can be no assurance that the average daily metal prices will appreciate sufficiently over the life of the Notes to pay any amount in addition to the Principal Amount at maturity. A holder may receive an additional amount as interest above the principal amount at maturity which, taking into account the semi- annual interest payments at the rate of 2.50% per annum, is below what the Company would pay as interest as of the date hereof if the Company issued non-callable senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the Notes, including the possibility that no additional amount as interest will be payable at maturity. Although the holders are guaranteed to receive 100 percent of the principal amount of the Notes at maturity, such amount does not reflect any opportunity cost implied by inflation and other factors relating to the time value of money. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 10 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 Trading The Notes will not be listed on any national securities exchange. There is no precedent to indicate how the Notes will trade in the secondary market or whether such market will be liquid. It is expected that the secondary market for the Notes will be affected by a number of factors independent of the creditworthiness of the Company. The trading values of the Notes may be affected by a number of interrelated factors, including those listed below. The relationship among these factors is complex, including how these factors affect the additional amount, if any, payable on the maturity date. Accordingly, investors should be aware that factors other than the level of the prices of Copper, Aluminum, Nickel and Silver are likely to affect the trading value of the Notes. The expected effect on the trading value of the Notes of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all other factors are held constant, is as follows: Metal Prices. In general, if the prices of aluminum, copper, silver and nickel increase above their current levels significantly or collectively the sum of the quarterly Incremental Values exceeds market interest rates, then the value of the Notes is expected to increase. If the prices of such metals decrease or remain relatively constant over the life of the Notes, the value of the Notes is expected to decrease. Time Remaining to Maturity. The Notes may trade at a value above that which may be inferred from the level of metal prices. This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning metal prices during the period prior to maturity of the Notes. As the time remaining to maturity of the Notes decreases, however, this time premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the Notes. Other Considerations Prospective investors who are considering purchasing the Notes should reach an investment decision only after carefully evaluating the suitability of the Notes in the light of their particular circumstances. Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the Notes. See "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in this Pricing Supplement. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 11 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS The following United States Federal income tax discussion replaces the discussion under "United States Tax Considerations", except where specifically referenced below, in the Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement dated July 12, 1993. United States Taxation In the opinion of James M. Kalashian, General Tax Counsel of General Electric Capital Corporation, tax counsel to the Company ("Tax Counsel"), the following summary describes certain of the principal United States Federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes and is based upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect (or, in the case of certain regulations, in proposed form) all of which are subject to change (including changes in effective dates) or possible differing interpretations. The discussion below deals only with Notes held as capital assets by U.S. Holders (as defined below) and does not purport to deal with persons in special tax situations (such as tax-exempt investors, dealers in securities, foreign persons, and investors holding Notes as part of a hedging transaction or as a position in a "straddle" for tax purposes). It also does not deal with holders other than original purchasers of the Notes. Persons considering the purchase of the Notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of United States Federal, state, local and any other income or estate tax laws to their particular situations as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction. As used herein the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a Note that is for United States Federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the Untied States or of any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) any other person whose income or gain in respect of a Note is effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 12 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 General There are no regulations (except the Proposed Regulations as described below), published rulings or judicial decisions involving the characterization, for United States Federal income tax purposes, of securities with terms substantially the same as the Notes. Although the matter is not free from doubt, the Company believes, based upon the advice of Tax Counsel, that under current law each Note should be treated as a debt instrument of the Company for United States Federal income tax purposes. The Company currently intends to treat each Note as a debt instrument for United States Federal income tax purposes and, where required, intends to file information returns with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") in accordance with such treatment, in the absence of any change or clarification in the law, by regulation or otherwise, requiring a different characterization. Prospective investors in the Notes should be aware, however, that the IRS is not bound by the Company's characterization of the Notes as indebtedness and that the IRS could possibly take a different position as to the proper characterization of the Notes for United States Federal income tax purposes. The following discussion of the principal United States Federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes is based upon the assumption that each Note will be treated as a debt instrument of the Company for United States Federal income tax purposes. If the Notes are not in fact treated as debt instruments of the Company for United States Federal income tax purposes, then the United States Federal income tax treatment of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes could differ from the treatment discussed below. In such case, the timing and character of income (including gain or loss recognition) in respect of the Notes could differ from the timing and character of income (including gain or loss recognition) reported on a Note had the Notes in fact been treated as debt instruments of the Company for United States Federal income tax purposes. (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 13 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 U.S. Holders Under general principles of current United States Federal income tax law, payments of interest on a Note generally will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time such payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting). Under these principles, the amounts payable with respect to a Note at the Interest Rate Per Annum on the Interest Payment Dates (the "Interest Payments") would be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income on the respective dates that the Interest Payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting). The amount payable with respect to a Note on the Maturity Date based upon the Average Daily Prices of copper, aluminum, nickel and silver (the "Component Metals") in excess of the Principal Amount (the "Additional Interest Amount"), if any, would be treated as contingent interest and generally would be includible in income by a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest at the time that the amount payable on the Maturity Date is accrued (i.e., determined) or when such amount is received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting). Since the Conversion Percentage equals the sum of the quarterly Incremental Values, whenever the Incremental Value for any Reference Period exceeds zero there is certain to be an ascertainable Additional Interest Amount (or an ascertainable increase in the Additional Interest Amount in the event that the Incremental Value for any prior Reference Period exceeded zero) that will result therefrom even if the Incremental Values for all subsequent Reference Periods were to be zero (any such Additional Interest Amount or increase in the Additional Interest Amount is hereinafter referred to as a "Fixed Additional Interest Amount" and the last day of each quarterly Reference Period relating to a certain Fixed Additional Interest Amount is hereinafter referred to as a "Fixing Date"). Accordingly, pursuant to the foregoing principles, in the event of a Fixing Date, an accrual method U.S. Holder would be required to include in income on such Fixing Date as ordinary interest an amount equal to the portion of the Fixed Additional Interest Amount relating to such Fixing Date that has accrued as of such Fixing Date. The remaining portion of any such Fixed Additional Interest Amount would be includible in income by an accrual method U.S. Holder as ordinary interest as it accrues over a period commencing on the Fixing Date and concluding on the Maturity Date. A cash method U.S. Holder, however, would not be required to include any portion of a Fixed Additional Interest Amount in income prior to the Maturity Date. It is possible that the IRS could assert that the Fixed Additional Interest Amount (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 14 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 should be treated as original issue discount. In such case, a cashor accrual method taxpayer would include the Fixed Additional Interest Amount in gross income (using a constant yield method) over the remaining term of the Note in advance of the receipt of cash payments attributable to such income. Alternatively, it is possible that the IRS could assert that a cash or accrual basis taxpayer should include in gross income the Discounted Fixed Additional Interest Amount (as defined below) on the Fixing Date and the remaining amount over the term of the Note similar to the method described below relating to the 1986 Proposed Regulations. Upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a Note, a U.S. Holder generally would recognize taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized (other than amounts representing accrued and unpaid interest) on the sale, exchange or retirement and such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Note. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in a Note generally will equal such U.S. Holder's initial investment in the Note. Such gain or loss generally should be long-term capital gain or loss if the Note were held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year (subject to the market discount rules, as discussed in the Prospectus Supplement dated July 12, 1992 under the heading "United States Tax Considerations"). It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that any amounts realized (other than amounts representing accrued and unpaid interest) upon the sale or exchange of a Note prior to the Maturity Date in excess of the Principal Amount constitutes ordinary interest income (subject to the bond premium rules, as discussed in the Prospectus Supplement dated July 12, 1992 under the heading "United States Tax Considerations"). Nonetheless, although the matter is not free from doubt, Tax Counsel has advised the Company that, under current law, any gain realized upon the sale or exchange of a Note prior to the Maturity Date should be treated entirely as capital gain (subject to the market discount rules, as discussed in the Prospectus Supplement dated July 12, 1992 under the heading "United States Tax Considerations"). Prospective investors in the Notes should be aware, however, that in 1991, the Treasury Department issued proposed regulations (the "1991 Proposed Regulations") under the original issue discount provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") concerning contingent payment debt obligations which, if applicable to the Notes, would bifurcate a Note into a debt instrument and a right based upon the value of the Component Metals. In general, the 1991 Proposed Regulations, which contain (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 15 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 a retroactive effective date of February 20, 1991, would apply todebt instruments that provide for noncontingent payments equal to or greater than the debt instrument's issue price and for one or more contingent payments determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the value of publicly traded stock, securities, commodities, or other publicly traded property. Although the 1991 Proposed Regulations do not specifically define the term "publicly traded" and therefore the matter is not free from doubt, Tax Counsel has advised the Company that the Component Metals should constitute "publicly traded" commodities for purposes of applying the 1991 Proposed Regulations to the Notes. Thus, if the 1991 Proposed Regulations are ultimately adopted in their current form and assuming that the Component Metals constitute "publicly traded" commodities within the meaning of the 1991 Proposed Regulations, the 1991 Proposed Regulations would apply to the Notes and such application of the 1991 Proposed Regulations to the Notes would cause the timing and character of income, gain or loss reported on a Note to differ from the timing and character of income, gain or loss reported on a Note had the 1991 Proposed Regulations not applied. The 1991 Proposed Regulations would treat a Note as consisting of two separate instruments: (i) the fixed payments (i.e., the debt instrument), consisting of the right to receive the Interest Payments and the Principal Amount (the "Fixed Payments"), and (ii) the contingent payment, consisting of the right to receive the Additional Interest Amount (the "Contingent Payment"). A Note's original issue price would be allocated between the Fixed Payments and the Contingent Payment in accordance with their relative fair market values. Under the 1991 Proposed Regulations, the Fixed Payments would be treated, for United States Federal income tax purposes, as a separate debt obligation issued at an original issue discount. If the 1991 Proposed Regulations were applied to the Notes, the Interest Payments would be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income on the respective dates that the Interest Payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting). In addition, a U.S. Holder (whether a cash or an accrual method taxpayer) would be required to include the original issue discount on a Note in gross income (using a constant yield method) over the Note's term in advance of receipt of cash payments attributable to such income. The original issue discount required to be included in income with respect to a Note would be equal to the difference between the Note's Principal Amount and the amount of the Note's original issue price allocated to the Fixed Payments. If the 1991 Proposed Regulations are (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 16 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 ultimately adopted in their current form and are applied to the Notes, then the amount of original issue discount on a Note would be $55.74 per $1,000 Principal Amount. Under the 1991 Proposed Regulations, a U.S. Holder that disposes of a Note prior to the Maturity Date would generally be required to recognize taxable gain or loss, with respect to the Fixed Payments, in an amount equal to the difference (if any) between the portion of the sales proceeds allocated to such Fixed Payments (in accordance with the relative fair market values of the Fixed Payments and the Contingent Payment as determined on the disposition date) and such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Fixed Payments. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Fixed Payments generally would equal the portion of such U.S. Holder's initial investment in the Note that is allocated to the Fixed Payments (in accordance with the relative fair market values of the Fixed Payments and the Contingent Payment), increased by the amount of original issue discount previously included in income by such U.S. Holder with respect to the Fixed Payments. Under the 1991 Proposed Regulations, the Contingent Payment would be treated separately from the Fixed Payments and taxed "in accordance with [its] economic substance." Under an "economic substance" analysis, the Contingent Payment should be treated as a single cash settlement option (a "Right") on the prices of the Component Metals. The United States Federal income tax treatment of a Right would depend upon whether it is a "listed" (i.e., an option traded on a qualified board or exchange ) or an "unlisted" nonequity option under Code section 1256. Although the matter is not free from doubt, Tax Counsel has advised the Company that the Right should be treated as an unlisted nonequity option. If the Right were treated as a listed nonequity option, however, the Right would be subject to the Code's mark-to-market rules discussed below. Assuming that the Right was treated as a unlisted nonequity option in the event that the 1991 Proposed Regulations were applied to the Notes, a U.S. Holder would be required to recognize taxable gain or loss with respect to the Right only upon its sale, exchange, expiration or payment at maturity. The amount of gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder with respect to the Right generally would be measured by the difference between the amount realized with respect to the Right and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Right. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Right generally would be the portion of the U.S. Holder's initial investment in the Note that is allocated to the Contingent Payment (in accordance with the relative fair market values of the Fixed Payments and the Contingent Payment). Such gain or loss on the Right would (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 17 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the Note were held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year. Despite the foregoing, it would appear that under the 1991 Proposed Regulations, in the event of any Fixing Date that is not within six months of the Maturity Date, a U.S. Holder would be required to treat an amount equal to the excess of (i) the Fixed Additional Interest Amount over (ii) the present value (determined by using a discount rate equal to the short-term applicable federal rate in effect on the Original Issue Date) of the Fixed Additional Interest Amount (the "Discounted Fixed Additional Interest Amount") as original issue discount. Such original issue discount would be includible in income by a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest as it accrues over the remaining term of the Note under a constant yield method, regardless of the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting. In addition, under such circumstances, a U.S. Holder would be required to reduce its basis in the Right by an amount equal to the Discounted Additional Interest Amount. Accordingly, if the sum of the Discounted Additional Interest Amounts as of a certain Fixing Date exceeds the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Right, then such U.S. Holder would be required to recognize taxable gain with respect to the Right prior to the sale, exchange, expiration or payment at maturity of the Right. Prospective investors in the Notes should be aware, however, that it is possible that, under the 1991 Proposed Regulations, the Contingent Payment could be treated as a series of twelve separate sequential "unlisted" cash settlement options on the prices of the Component Metals with one of each such options maturing on the last day of each quarterly Reference Period. Under such circumstances, a U.S. Holder generally would recognize taxable gain or loss with respect to each such option only upon its sale, exchange, expiration or maturity on the last day of the relevant Reference Period. A U.S. Holder's aggregate tax basis in such options generally would equal the portion of the U.S. Holder's initial investment in the Note that is allocated to the Contingent Payment (in the manner described above) and this amount would be allocated among the individual options in accordance with their relative fair market values as determined on the Note's issue date. Alternatively, in the event that the 1991 Proposed Regulations were applied to the Notes, if the Right was treated as a single "listed nonequity option", such Right would generally be marked-to-market pursuant to Code section 1256, i.e., treated as if it were sold for its fair market value on the last business day of the U.S. Holder's taxable year. Any resulting gain or loss would be treated as sixty percent long-term and forty percent short-term capital gain or (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 18 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 loss. Additionally, gain or loss on the sale, exchange, expiration or payment at maturity of the Right would be sixty percent long- term and forty percent short-term capital gain or loss. Prospective investors in the Notes should consult their own tax advisors as to the proper treatment of the Contingent Payment under the 1991 Proposed Regulations in the event that the 1991 Proposed Regulations are applied to the Notes. Prospective investors in the Notes should also be aware that in 1986 the Treasury Department issued proposed regulations (the "1986 Proposed Regulations" and, together with the 1991 Proposed Regulations, the "Proposed Regulations") under the original issue discount provisions of the Code concerning contingent payment debt obligations which were not replaced by the 1991 Proposed Regulations and which contain a retroactive effective date of July 1, 1982. If the 1986 Proposed Regulations were ultimately adopted in their current form and if the Component Metals do not constitute "publicly traded" commodities within the meaning of the 1991 Proposed Regulations, then the 1986 Proposed Regulations could apply to the Notes. Under the 1986 Proposed Regulations, the Interest Payments would be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income on the respective dates that the Interest Payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting). In addition, in the event of a Fixing Date, a U.S. Holder generally would be required to include in income as ordinary interest on such Fixing Date an amount equal to the Fixed Additional Interest Amount relating to such Fixing Date, regardless of the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting. However, in the event of any Fixing Date that is not within six months of the Maturity Date, a U.S. Holder would only be required to include in income as ordinary interest on such Fixing Date an amount equal to the Discounted Fixed Additional Interest Amount. The excess of the Fixed Additional Interest Amount over the Discounted Fixed Additional Interest Amount would be treated as original issue discount and would be includible in income by a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest over the remaining term of the Note under a constant yield method, regardless of the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax accounting. There is no assurance that the Proposed Regulations will be adopted or, if adopted, adopted in their current form. In addition, on January 19, 1993, the Treasury Department issued proposed regulations (the "1993 Proposed Regulations"), concerning contingent payment debt obligations, which would have replaced the Proposed Regulations and which would have provided for a set of rules with respect to the timing and character of income (Fixed Rate, Indexed Notes) Page 19 Pricing Supplement No. 1773 Dated February 1, 1994 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-58506 Rule 424(b)(3)-Registration Statement No. 33-50508 recognition on contingent payment debt obligations that differ from the rules contained in the Proposed Regulations with respect to the timing and character of income recognition on contingent payment debt obligations. The 1993 Proposed Regulations, which would have applied to debt instruments issued 60 days or more after the date the 1993 Proposed Regulations became final, generally provided for several alternative timing methods which would have required annual interest accruals to reflect either a market yield for the debt instrument, determined as of the issue date, or a reasonable estimate of the performance of contingencies. The amount of interest deemed to accrue in a taxable year pursuant to such methods would have been currently includible in income by a U.S. Holder, with subsequent adjustments to the extent that the estimate of income was incorrect. In addition, under the 1993 Proposed Regulations, any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or retirement of a contingent payment debt obligation would have been treated entirely as ordinary interest income and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or retirement of a contingent payment obligation would have been treated entirely as a capital loss. However, on January 22, 1993, the United States Government's Office of Management and Budget announced that certain proposed regulations which had not yet been published in the Federal Register, including the 1993 Proposed Regulations, had been withdrawn. It is unclear whether the 1993 Proposed Regulations will be reproposed or, if reproposed, what effect, if any, such regulations would have on the Notes. Based upon the foregoing, the continued viability of the Proposed Regulations is uncertain. It should also be noted that proposed Treasury regulations are not binding upon either the IRS or taxpayers prior to becoming effective as temporary or final regulations. Prospective investors in the Notes are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the Proposed Regulations to their investment in the Notes, if any, and the effect of possible changes to the Proposed Regulations. Backup Withholding Certain U.S. Holders may be subject to backup withholding as described in the Prospectus Supplement dated July 12, 1993 under "United States Tax Considerations--Backup Withholding." PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION J.P. Morgan Securities Inc is acting as Agent in connection with the sale of the Notes and will receive a commission of 0.10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----