424B2 1 v316976_424b2.htm PRICING SUPPLEMENT

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of
Securities Offered

Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price

Amount of
Registration Fee
(1)

HSBC USA Inc. Income Plus Notes with a 1.00% Minimum Annual Coupon Due June 27, 2019 $714,000 $81.82
     
HSBC USA Inc. Income Plus Notes with a 0.50% Minimum Annual Coupon Due June 27, 2019 $76,000 $8.71
     

(1) Calculated in accordance with Rule 457 (r) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-180289

PRICING SUPPLEMENT

Dated June 22, 2012

(To Prospectus dated March 22, 2012,

Prospectus Supplement dated March 22, 2012 and

Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement dated March 22, 2012)

 

HSBC USA Inc.
7 Year Income Plus Notes

 

}This pricing supplement relates to two separate offerings:
$714,000 Income Plus Notes with a 1.00% Minimum Annual Coupon (Note A)

$76,000 Income Plus Notes with a 0.50% Minimum Annual Coupon (Note B)
}7 Year maturity
}Linked to a basket of 5 Reference Stocks
}Repayment of principal at maturity, subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.
}Annual coupons based on the performance of every Reference Stock, subject to the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate and the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate

 

The 7 Year Income Plus Notes (each a “Note” and collectively the “Notes”) offered hereunder will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or automated quotation system.

 

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Notes or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this document, the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement or Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, as the agent for the sale of the Notes. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the Notes from us for distribution to other registered broker-dealers or will offer the Notes directly to investors. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use this pricing supplement in market-making transactions in any Notes 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-making transaction. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page PS-14 of this pricing supplement.

 

Investment in the Notes involves certain risks. You should refer to “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-5 of this document, page S-3 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and page S-1 of the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement.

  

  Price to Public Fees and Commissions1 Proceeds to Issuer
Per security / Total for Notes with a 1.00% Minimum Annual Coupon $1,000 / $714,000 $48 / $34,272 $952 / $679,728
Per security / Total for Notes with a 0.50% Minimum Annual Coupon $1,000 / $76,000 $48 / $3,648 $952 / $72,352

 1 See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page PS-14 of this pricing supplement.

 

The Notes:

 

Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

 

 

 
 

 

HSBC USA Inc.

7 Year Income Plus Notes

 

Linked to a basket of 5 common stocks

 

This pricing supplement relates to two separate offerings of Notes linked to a basket of five common stocks (each a “Reference Stock” and the basket the “Reference Asset”). Each offering has the terms described in this pricing supplement and the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus the terms described in this pricing supplement shall control.

 

Each of the two separate offerings of Notes has a different Minimum Coupon Rate and Performance-Based Coupon Rate. The purchaser of any Note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. with annual coupons linked to the performance of the Reference Stocks as described below. The following key terms relate to the offerings of Notes:

 

Issuer: HSBC USA Inc.
Principal Amount: $1,000 per Note

 



Notes
Investor Objective1 Minimum
Coupon
Rate
Performance-
Based Coupon
Rate
Potential
Annual
Coupon2

CUSIP / ISIN
A Income Market Participation 1.00% 6.25% 1.00% or 7.25%
4042K1S87 / US4042K1S876
B Income Market Participation 0.50% 10.75% 0.50% or 11.25%
4042K1S95 / US4042K1S959

 

1These objectives denote the comparative payoff characteristics of each Note compared with the other Notes offered herein and do not reflect a comparison with any other financial product. Investor Objectives are not drawn to scale.

2Representing the sum of the Performance-Based Coupon Rate and Minimum Coupon Rate

     
Reference Stocks: The common stocks of the Reference Stock Issuers:  
Reference Stock Issuers Ticker Symbol Relevant Exchange Industry Initial Price1 Market Capitalization2
(in billions)
AT&T Inc. T NYSE Telephone-Integrated $35.17 $206.20
Intel Corporation INTC Nasdaq Semiconductors $26.95 $135.51
Kraft Foods Inc. KFT NYSE Food-Misc./Diversified $38.85 $68.88
Pfizer Inc. PFE NYSE Medical-Drugs $22.72 $170.17
Reynolds American Inc. RAI NYSE Tobacco $43.33 $24.76

1 For each Reference Stock, the Official Closing Price of such Reference Stock on the Pricing Date.

2 Market capitalization (in billions) as of 6/22/2012. Source: Bloomberg LP.

 

Payment at Maturity: For each Note, the Principal Amount plus any Coupon due on the Maturity Date.
Coupon:

With respect to each Coupon Payment Date, for each $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes, the Coupon will be calculated as follows:

On the applicable Coupon Valuation Date, if the Reference Stock Return for every Reference Stock is greater than or equal to zero, you will receive:
$1,000 x (Performance-Based Coupon Rate + Minimum Coupon Rate)

 

On the applicable Coupon Valuation Date, if the Reference Stock Return for any Reference Stock is less than zero, you will receive:
$1,000 x Minimum Coupon Rate

Reference Stock Return:

For each Reference Stock, on any Coupon Valuation Date:

Final Price — Initial Price

Initial Price

Minimum Coupon Rate: The relevant per annum Minimum Coupon Rate, as indicated above
Performance-Based
Coupon Rate:
The relevant per annum Performance-Based Coupon Rate, as indicated above

 

PS-2
 

 

Coupon Valuation Dates Coupon Valuation Date* Coupon Payment Date**  
and Coupon Payment June 24, 2013 June 27, 2013  
Dates: June 24, 2014 June 27, 2014  
  June 24, 2015 June 29, 2015  
  June 22, 2016 June 27, 2016  
  June 22, 2017 June 27, 2017  
  June 22, 2018 June 27, 2018  
  June 24, 2019 June 27, 2019 (the Maturity Date)  
  * Subject to the adjustment as described under “Valuation Dates” in the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement. 
  **Expected. 

 

Initial Price: The Official Closing Price (as defined below) of the respective Reference Stock as determined by the calculation agent on the Pricing Date.
Final Price: The Official Closing Price of the respective Reference Stock on the relevant Coupon Valuation Date, adjusted as described under “Antidilution and Reorganization Adjustments” in the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement.
Official Closing Price: With respect to each Reference Stock, the Official Closing Price will be the relevant official price of one share of such Reference Stock on the Relevant Exchange for such Reference Stock as of the close of the regular trading session of such exchange and as reported in the official price determination mechanism for such exchange, as further described under “Official Closing Price” in the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement.
Trade Date: June 22, 2012
Pricing Date: June 22, 2012
Original Issue Date: June 27, 2012
Maturity Date: June 27, 2019, which is 3 scheduled business days after the final Coupon Valuation Date.  The Maturity Date is subject to adjustment as described under “Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement.
Form of Notes: Book-Entry
Listing: The Notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.

 

PS-3
 

 

General

 

This pricing supplement relates to two separate offerings of Notes, each linked to the Reference Stocks identified on PS-2. The purchaser of any Note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. linked to five Reference Stocks. Although each of the two offerings of Notes relates to the Reference Stocks identified on PS-2, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Reference Stocks or as to the suitability of an investment in the Notes.

 

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated March 22, 2012, the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012 and the Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement dated March 22, 2012. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus or Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this pricing supplement shall control. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-5 of this pricing supplement, page S-3 of the prospectus supplement and page S-1 of the Stock-Linked Underlying 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. As used herein, references to the “Issuer”, “HSBC”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc.

 

HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, prospectus supplement and Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this pricing supplement relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

 

You may also obtain:

 

}The Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420412016685/v306693_424b2.htm

 

}The prospectus supplement at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000104746912003151/a2208335z424b2.htm

 

}The prospectus at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000104746912003148/a2208395z424b2.htm

 

Payment at Maturity

 

On the Maturity Date, for each Note you hold, we will pay you your Principal Amount plus any Coupon due on the Maturity Date.

 

Coupons

 

On each Coupon Payment Date, we will pay you the relevant Coupon relating to your Note. The Coupon will vary, will be calculated on the relevant Coupon Valuation Date and will be equal to the relevant Minimum Coupon Rate or, if applicable, the relevant Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the Minimum Coupon Rate. If, on a Coupon Valuation Date, the Reference Stock Return for each Reference Stock is equal to or greater than zero, the Coupon will be the Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the Minimum Coupon Rate. If, on a Coupon Valuation Date, the Reference Stock Return for any Reference Stock is less than zero, the Coupon will be the Minimum Coupon Rate. The Minimum Coupon Rate and Performance-Based Coupon Rate will differ for each of the two offerings of Notes offered by this pricing supplement. The Coupon Payment Dates and the Maturity Date are subject to adjustment, as described under “Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement. For information regarding the record dates applicable to the Notes, please see the section entitled “Description of Notes — Interest and Principal Payments — Recipients of Interest Payments” on page S-11 in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

Calculation Agent

 

We or one of our affiliates will act as calculation agent with respect to the Notes.

 

PS-4
 

 

Investor Suitability

 

The Notes may be suitable for you if:

 

}You seek an investment that provides a full repayment of principal, subject to the credit risk of HSBC, if held to maturity, and an annual Coupon, based on the performance of each Reference Stock, that will be equal to the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate or, if applicable, the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate.

 

}You believe the prices of all of the Reference Stocks will generally increase or remain equal to the Initial Prices over the term of the Notes.

 

}You believe the applicable Coupon on the Coupon Payment Dates will be an amount sufficient to provide you with a satisfactory return on your investment.

 

}You are comfortable receiving only the Principal Amount of your Notes at maturity plus the applicable Coupon that will not be less than the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate or greater than the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate.

 

}You are willing to invest in the Notes based on the sum of the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate, which will limit your Coupon on any Coupon Payment Date.

 

}You are willing to forego dividends or other distributions paid to holders of the Reference Stocks.

 

}You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market.

 

}You are willing to hold the Notes to maturity.

 

}You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as Issuer of the Notes.

 

The Notes may not be suitable for you if:

 

}You seek an investment where the return is based on the actual performance of the Reference Stocks and is not limited to the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate.

 

}You believe the prices of one or more of the Reference Stocks will decrease over the term of the Notes.

 

}You are unwilling to receive only the Principal Amount of your Notes at maturity plus the applicable Coupon that will not be less than the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate or greater than the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate.

 

}You prefer the lower risk, and therefore accept the potentially lower returns, of conventional debt securities with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

 

}You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid on any of the Reference Stocks.

 

}You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.

 

}You are unable or unwilling to hold the Notes to maturity.

 

}You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as Issuer of the Notes.

 

Risk Factors

 

We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3 in the accompanying prospectus supplement and on page S-1 of the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in any of the Reference Stocks. You should understand the risks of investing in the Notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, of the suitability of the Notes in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this pricing supplement and the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus.

 

In addition to the risks discussed below, you should review “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, including the explanation of risks relating to the Notes described in the following sections:

 

}“— Risks Relating to All Note Issuances” in the prospectus supplement;

 

}“— General risks related to Reference Stocks” in the Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement;

 

You will be subject to significant risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities.

 

The amount of the annual Coupon is uncertain and may be as low as the Minimum Coupon Rate.

 

The amount of the annual Coupon you receive is not fixed and will depend on the performance of each Reference Stock on the respective Coupon Valuation Dates. If the Reference Stock Return of any Reference Stock is less than zero on a Coupon Valuation Date, you will receive a Coupon equal to the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate on the applicable Coupon Payment Date. The applicable Minimum Coupon Rate is specified on page PS-2 herein.

 

PS-5
 

 

You will not directly participate in any appreciation in the value of Reference Stocks and your Coupon is limited to the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate.

 

You will not directly participate in any appreciation in the value of the Reference Stocks. Instead you will receive annual Coupons based upon the applicable formulas described under the captions “Coupon”, “Minimum Coupon Rate” and “Performance-Based Coupon Rate” on page PS-2. The Coupons payable to you will be based upon whether the Reference Stocks appreciate or depreciate. Regardless of the extent to which the prices of the Reference Stocks appreciate, the applicable Coupon will not exceed the applicable Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate. The Performance-Based Coupon Rate will be not less than the applicable rate specified for each Note on page PS-2 herein. Therefore, you may earn significantly less by investing in the Notes than you would have earned by investing directly in the Reference Stocks relevant to your Notes. If any one Reference Stock has a negative Reference Stock Return, you will receive a Coupon at only the applicable Minimum Coupon Rate for that period.

 

The Notes are subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.

 

The Notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of the Issuer, HSBC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. As further described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, the Notes will rank on par with all of the other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of HSBC, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law. Any payment to be made on the Notes, including any Coupons or return of principal at maturity, depends on the ability of HSBC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of HSBC may affect the market value of the Notes and, in the event HSBC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive the amounts owed to you under the terms of the Notes.

 

Certain built-in costs are likely to adversely affect the value of the Notes prior to maturity.

 

While the payment at maturity described in this pricing supplement is based on the full Principal Amount of your Notes, the original issue price of the Notes includes the placement agent’s commission and the estimated cost of HSBC hedging its obligations under the Notes. As a result, the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will be willing to purchase Notes from you in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price, and any sale prior to the maturity date could result in a substantial loss to you. The Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your Notes to maturity.

 

The Notes lack liquidity.

 

The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is not required to offer to purchase the Notes in the secondary market, if any exists. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Notes easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the Notes, the price at which you may be able to trade your Notes is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is willing to buy the Notes.

 

Potential conflicts.

 

HSBC and its affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the Notes, including acting as calculation agent and hedging our obligations under the Notes. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of ours are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the Notes. We will not have any obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the Notes in taking any action that might affect the value of your Notes.

 

The Notes are not insured by any governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction.

 

The Notes are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or program of the United States or any other jurisdiction. An investment in the Notes is subject to the credit risk of HSBC, and in the event that HSBC is unable to pay its obligations as they become due, you may not receive the full payment at maturity of the Notes.

 

Tax treatment.

 

For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a Note, please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” herein and the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

PS-6
 

 

Description of the Reference Stocks

 

AT&T Inc.

 

Description of AT&T Inc.

 

AT&T Inc. has stated in its filings with the SEC that it is a provider of telecommunications services, offering services and products that include wireless communications, local exchange services, long-distance services, data/broadband and Internet services, video services, telecommunications equipment, managed networking, wholesale services and directory advertising and publishing. Information filed by T with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 1-08610 or its CIK Code: 0000732717.

 

Historical Performance of AT&T Inc.

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intraday prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices on the relevant exchange, of the Reference Stock for each quarter in the period from April 2, 2007 through June 22, 2012. We obtained the data in these tables from Bloomberg Professional® service, without independent verification by us. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service. All historical prices are denominated in US dollars and rounded to the nearest penny. Historical prices of the Reference Stock should not be taken as an indication of future performance of the Reference Stock.

  

QUARTER ENDING QUARTER
HIGH
QUARTER
LOW
QUARTER
CLOSE
  QUARTER ENDING QUARTER
HIGH
QUARTER
LOW
QUARTER
CLOSE
June 29, 2007 $41.54 $38.38 $41.50   March 31, 2010 $28.67 $24.61 $25.84
September 28, 2007 $42.97 $36.53 $42.31   June 30, 2010 $26.75 $23.78 $24.19
December 31, 2007 $42.79 $36.25 $41.56   September 30, 2010 $29.15 $23.89 $28.60
March 31, 2008 $41.94 $32.95 $38.30   December 31, 2010 $29.55 $27.50 $29.38
June 30, 2008 $40.70 $32.64 $33.69   March 31, 2011 $30.96 $27.20 $30.60
September 30, 2008 $33.58 $27.51 $27.92   June 30, 2011 $31.93 $29.91 $31.41
December 31, 2008 $30.65 $20.90 $28.50   September 30, 2011 $31.77 $27.29 $28.52
March 31, 2009 $29.46 $21.62 $25.20   December 30, 2011 $30.30 $27.41 $30.24
June 30, 2009 $27.09 $23.38 $24.84   March 30, 2012 $31.97 $29.02 $31.23
September 30, 2009 $27.68 $23.19 $27.01   June 22, 2012* $36.00 $29.95 $35.17
December 31, 2009 $28.61 $25.00 $28.03          

 

* As of the date of this pricing supplement available information for the second calendar quarter of 2012 includes data for the period from April 2, 2012 through June 22, 2012. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2012.

 

The graph below illustrates the daily performance of T’s common stock from June 22, 2007 through June 22, 2012 based on information from Bloomberg Professional® service. The market price of the Reference Stock on June 22, 2012 was $35.17. Past performance of the Reference Stock is not indicative of the future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

 

PS-7
 

 

Intel CORPORATION

 

Description of Intel Corporation

 

Intel Corporation has stated in its filings with the SEC that it designs and manufactures advanced integrated digital technology platforms consisting of a microprocessor and chipset. Intel Corporation sells platforms primarily to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original design manufacturers (ODMs), and industrial and communications equipment manufacturers in the computing and communications industries. Information filed by INTC with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 000-06217 or its CIK Code: 0000050863.

 

Historical Performance of Intel Corporation

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intraday prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices on the relevant exchange, of the Reference Stock for each quarter in the period from April 2, 2007 through June 22, 2012. We obtained the data in these tables from Bloomberg Professional® service, without independent verification by us. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service. All historical prices are denominated in US dollars and rounded to the nearest penny. Historical prices of the Reference Stock should not be taken as an indication of future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

QUARTER ENDING QUARTER HIGH QUARTER LOW QUARTER CLOSE   QUARTER ENDING QUARTER HIGH QUARTER LOW QUARTER CLOSE
June 29, 2007 $24.45 $19.03 $23.76   March 31, 2010 $22.74 $18.96 $22.26
September 28, 2007 $26.52 $22.09 $25.86   June 30, 2010 $24.28 $19.40 $19.45
December 31, 2007 $27.99 $24.32 $26.66   September 30, 2010 $22.25 $17.60 $19.23
March 31, 2008 $26.34 $18.05 $21.18   December 31, 2010 $22.07 $18.78 $21.03
June 30, 2008 $25.29 $20.50 $21.48   March 31, 2011 $22.20 $19.72 $20.17
September 30, 2008 $24.75 $17.27 $18.73   June 30, 2011 $23.96 $19.36 $22.16
December 31, 2008 $18.69 $12.07 $14.66   September 30, 2011 $23.39 $19.16 $21.33
March 31, 2009 $15.83 $12.05 $15.05   December 30, 2011 $25.78 $20.40 $24.25
June 30, 2009 $16.74 $14.62 $16.55   March 30, 2012 $28.44 $24.39 $28.11
September 30, 2009 $20.65 $15.78 $19.57   June 22, 2012* $29.27 $24.84 $26.95
December 31, 2009 $21.26 $18.31 $20.40          

  

* As of the date of this pricing supplement available information for the second calendar quarter of 2012 includes data for the period from April 2, 2012 through June 22, 2012. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2012.

 

The graph below illustrates the daily performance of INTC’s common stock from June 22, 2007 through June 22, 2012 based on information from Bloomberg Professional® service. The market price of the Reference Stock on June 22, 2012 was $26.95. Past performance of the Reference Stock is not indicative of the future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

 

PS-8
 

 

kraft Foods Inc.

 

Description of Kraft Foods Inc.

 

Kraft Foods Inc. has stated in its filings with the SEC that it manufactures and markets packaged food products, including biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, convenient meals and various packaged grocery products. Information filed by KFT with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 1-16483 or its CIK Code: 0001103982.

 

Historical Performance of Kraft Foods Inc.

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intraday prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices on the relevant exchange, of the Reference Stock for each quarter in the period from April 2, 2007 through June 22, 2012. We obtained the data in these tables from Bloomberg Professional® service, without independent verification by us. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service. All historical prices are denominated in US dollars and rounded to the nearest penny. Historical prices of the Reference Stock should not be taken as an indication of future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

QUARTER ENDING QUARTER HIGH QUARTER LOW QUARTER CLOSE   QUARTER ENDING QUARTER HIGH QUARTER LOW QUARTER CLOSE
June 29, 2007 $37.19 $30.25 $35.25   March 31, 2010 $30.98 $27.17 $30.24
September 28, 2007 $36.46 $30.51 $34.51   June 30, 2010 $31.08 $27.50 $28.00
December 31, 2007 $35.29 $32.09 $32.63   September 30, 2010 $31.97 $27.60 $30.86
March 31, 2008 $32.85 $28.64 $31.01   December 31, 2010 $32.66 $29.80 $31.51
June 30, 2008 $32.97 $28.35 $28.45   March 31, 2011 $32.20 $30.21 $31.36
September 30, 2008 $34.97 $28.04 $32.75   June 30, 2011 $35.47 $31.35 $35.23
December 31, 2008 $34.05 $24.75 $26.85   September 30, 2011 $36.30 $32.65 $33.58
March 31, 2009 $29.84 $20.81 $22.29   December 30, 2011 $37.93 $31.88 $37.36
June 30, 2009 $27.23 $21.95 $25.34   March 30, 2012 $39.05 $37.17 $38.01
September 30, 2009 $29.11 $25.41 $26.27   June 22, 2012* $39.98 $36.76 $38.85
December 31, 2009 $27.84 $25.72 $27.18          

 

* As of the date of this pricing supplement available information for the second calendar quarter of 2012 includes data for the period from April 2, 2012 through June 22, 2012. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2012.

 

The graph below illustrates the daily performance of KFT’s common stock from June 22, 2007 through June 22, 2012 based on information from Bloomberg Professional® service. The market price of the Reference Stock on June 22, 2012 was $38.85. Past performance of the Reference Stock is not indicative of the future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

 

PS-9
 

 

Pfizer Inc.

 

Description of Pfizer Inc.

 

Pfizer Inc. has stated in its filings with the SEC that it discovers, develops and manufactures medicines for people and animals including human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and healthcare products. Information filed by PFE with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 1-3619 or its CIK Code: 0000078003.

 

Historical Performance of Pfizer Inc.

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intraday prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices on the relevant exchange, of the Reference Stock for each quarter in the period from April 2, 2007 through June 22, 2012. We obtained the data in these tables from Bloomberg Professional® service, without independent verification by us. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service. All historical prices are denominated in US dollars and rounded to the nearest penny. Historical prices of the Reference Stock should not be taken as an indication of future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

QUARTER ENDING QUARTER
HIGH
QUARTER
LOW
QUARTER
CLOSE
  QUARTER ENDING QUARTER
HIGH
QUARTER
LOW
QUARTER
CLOSE
June 29, 2007 $27.73 $25.23 $25.57   March 31, 2010 $20.36 $16.80 $17.15
September 28, 2007 $26.15 $23.14 $24.43   June 30, 2010 $17.39 $14.18 $14.26
December 31, 2007 $25.71 $22.24 $22.73   September 30, 2010 $17.50 $14.00 $17.17
March 31, 2008 $24.21 $20.19 $20.93   December 31, 2010 $17.90 $16.26 $17.51
June 30, 2008 $21.60 $17.12 $17.47   March 31, 2011 $20.57 $17.63 $20.31
September 30, 2008 $20.13 $17.16 $18.44   June 30, 2011 $21.45 $19.10 $20.60
December 31, 2008 $19.39 $14.26 $17.71   September 30, 2011 $20.95 $16.63 $17.68
March 31, 2009 $18.48 $11.62 $13.62   December 30, 2011 $21.90 $17.05 $21.64
June 30, 2009 $15.60 $12.75 $15.00   March 30, 2012 $22.80 $20.76 $22.66
September 30, 2009 $16.98 $14.11 $16.55   June 22, 2012* $23.30 $21.40 $22.72
December 31, 2009 $18.99 $16.07 $18.19          

 

* As of the date of this pricing supplement available information for the second calendar quarter of 2012 includes data for the period from April 2, 2012 through June 22, 2012. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2012.

 

The graph below illustrates the daily performance of PFE’s common stock from June 22, 2007 through June 22, 2012 based on information from Bloomberg Professional® service. The market price of the Reference Stock on June 22, 2012 was $22.72. Past performance of the Reference Stock is not indicative of the future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

 

PS-10
 

 

reynolds american inc.

 

Description of Reynolds American Inc.

Reynolds American Inc. has stated in its filings with the SEC that it is a holding company that, through its operating subsidiaries, manufactures cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products and super-premium cigarettes. Information filed by RAI with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 1-32258 or its CIK Code: 0001275283.

 

Historical Performance of Reynolds American Inc.

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intraday prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices on the relevant exchange, of the Reference Stock for each quarter in the period from April 2, 2007 through June 22, 2012. We obtained the data in these tables from Bloomberg Professional® service, without independent verification by us. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service. All historical prices are denominated in US dollars and rounded to the nearest penny. Historical prices of the Reference Stock should not be taken as an indication of future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

QUARTER ENDING QUARTER
HIGH
QUARTER
LOW
QUARTER
CLOSE
  QUARTER ENDING QUARTER
HIGH
QUARTER
LOW
QUARTER
CLOSE
June 29, 2007 $33.80 $30.08 $32.60   March 31, 2010 $27.57 $25.38 $26.99
September 28, 2007 $33.51 $30.19 $31.80   June 30, 2010 $28.12 $23.65 $26.06
December 31, 2007 $35.86 $30.34 $32.98   September 30, 2010 $30.20 $25.74 $29.70
March 31, 2008 $36.00 $29.44 $29.52   December 31, 2010 $33.41 $29.05 $32.62
June 30, 2008 $30.32 $23.27 $23.34   March 31, 2011 $36.10 $31.54 $35.53
September 30, 2008 $28.87 $22.81 $24.31   June 30, 2011 $39.83 $35.59 $37.05
December 31, 2008 $25.00 $18.78 $20.16   September 30, 2011 $38.64 $31.82 $37.48
March 31, 2009 $20.58 $15.78 $17.92   December 30, 2011 $42.17 $36.70 $41.42
June 30, 2009 $21.03 $18.16 $19.31   March 30, 2012 $42.80 $38.96 $41.44
September 30, 2009 $23.48 $19.00 $22.26   June 22, 2012* $43.66 $39.45 $43.33
December 31, 2009 $27.13 $21.92 $26.49          

 

* As of the date of this pricing supplement available information for the second calendar quarter of 2012 includes data for the period from April 2, 2012 through June 22, 2012. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2012.

 

The graph below illustrates the daily performance of RAI’s common stock from June 22, 2007 through June 22, 2012 based on information from Bloomberg Professional® service. The market price of the Reference Stock on June 22, 2012 was $43.33. Past performance of the Reference Stock is not indicative of the future performance of the Reference Stock.

 

 

PS-11
 

 

Illustrative ExampleS

 

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are hypothetical. These examples are representative of only a few possible scenarios concerning increases or decreases in the prices of the Reference Stocks relative to their Initial Prices and how those increases and decreases affect the Coupons payable on the Notes. We cannot predict the Official Closing Prices of the Reference Stocks on the Coupon Valuation Dates. The assumptions we have made in connection with the illustrations set forth below may not reflect actual events, and you should not take these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the Reference Stocks or return on the Notes. With respect to the Notes, the total payment you receive over the term of the Notes may be less than the amount that you would have received from a conventional debt security with the same stated maturity, including those issued by HSBC.

 

The examples below illustrate the Coupon Payments on a $1,000 investment in the Notes for a hypothetical range of performance for the Reference Stocks. The following results are based solely on the assumptions outlined below. The potential returns described here show potential valuations for different Coupon Valuation Dates during the term of the Notes. You should consider carefully whether the Notes are suitable to your investment goals. The numbers appearing below have been rounded for ease of analysis.

 

} Principal Amount: $1,000

 

} Hypothetical Minimum Coupon Rate: 0.50% (The actual Minimum Coupon Rates corresponding to each offering of notes are specified on page PS-2 herein)

  

} Hypothetical Performance-Based Coupon Rate: 6.25% (The actual Performance-Based Coupon Rates corresponding to each offering of notes are specified on page PS-2 herein)

 

The actual Initial Value and Performance-Based Coupon Rate, with respect to each offering of Notes, were determined on the Pricing Date.

 

Example 1: The Reference Stock Return for each Reference Stock is greater than or equal to zero on the Coupon Valuation Date

 

Reference Stock Hypothetical Reference
Stock Return
T 12.00%
INTC 2.50%
KFT 5.00%
PFE 1.00%
RAI 2.00%
Minimum Coupon Rate = 0.50%
Performance-Based Coupon Rate = 6.25%
Coupon = $67.50
     

Explanation for Example 1

 

As illustrated above, the hypothetical Reference Stock Return for each of the 5 Reference Stocks is greater than or equal to zero. Therefore, even though the hypothetical Reference Stock Return for two of the Reference Stocks is greater than the Performance-Based Coupon Rate plus the Minimum Coupon Rate, the payment will be limited to the hypothetical Performance-Based Coupon Rate of 6.25% plus the hypothetical Minimum Coupon Rate of 0.50%. Therefore, you receive a Coupon of $67.50 on the applicable Coupon Payment Date.

 

PS-12
 

 

Example 2: The Reference Stock Return for 1 of the 5 Reference Stocks is less than zero on the Coupon Valuation Date

 

Reference Stock Hypothetical Reference
Stock Return
T 12.00%
INTC 5.00%
KFT 5.00%
PFE 0.00%
RAI -4.00%
Minimum Coupon Rate = 0.50%
Performance-Based Coupon Rate = 6.25%
Coupon = $5.00
     

Explanation for Example 2

 

As illustrated above, the hypothetical Reference Stock Return of 4 of the 5 of the Reference Stocks (T, INTC, KFT and PFE) is greater than or equal to zero. However, the Reference Stock Return of 1 of the 5 Reference Stocks (RAI) is less than zero. Because the Reference Stock Return is less than zero for one of the Reference Stocks, the Coupon will equal the Minimum Coupon Rate. Therefore, you receive a Coupon of $5.00 on the applicable Coupon Payment Date.

 

PS-13
 

 

Events of Default and Acceleration

 

With respect to each offering of Notes, if such Notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to such Notes, the calculation agent will determine (i) the accelerated Payment at Maturity due and payable in the same general manner as described in Payment at Maturity in this pricing supplement and (ii) any accrued but unpaid interest payable.  In such a case, the business day immediately preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the Coupon Valuation Date for purposes of determining the Coupon payable on the Notes on the accelerated Maturity Date.  The accelerated Maturity Date will be the third business day following the accelerated final Coupon Valuation Date.

 

If such Notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default, you will not be entitled to any additional payments with respect to such Notes. For more information, see “Description of Debt Securities — Senior Debt Securities — Events of Default” in the prospectus.

 

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)

 

We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, as the agent for the sales of the Notes. Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the Notes from HSBC for distribution to other registered broker-dealers or will offer the Notes directly to investors. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will offer the Notes at the offering prices set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement. HSBC USA Inc. or one of our affiliates may pay varying discounts of up to 4.80% per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes in connection with the distribution of the Notes to other registered broker-dealers. In no case will the sum of discounts and referral fees exceed 4.80% per $1,000 Principal Amount.

 

An affiliate of HSBC has paid or may pay in the future an amount to broker-dealers in connection with the costs of the continuing implementation of systems to support these Notes.

 

In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use this pricing supplement in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Notes, but is under no obligation to make a market in the Notes and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.

 

See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page S-49 in the prospectus supplement.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

You should carefully consider the matters set forth in “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. The following discussion summarizes the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership, and disposition of the Notes. This summary supplements the section “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and supersedes it to the extent inconsistent therewith.

 

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 the Notes. We intend to treat the Notes as variable rate debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Pursuant to the terms of the Notes, you agree to treat the Notes as variable rate debt instruments for all U.S. federal income tax purposes and, in the opinion of Sidley Austin llp, special U.S. tax counsel to us, it is reasonable to treat the Notes as variable rate debt instruments. Assuming the Notes are treated as variable rate debt instruments, Coupons paid on the Notes generally should be taxable to you as ordinary interest income at the time they accrue or are received in accordance with the your regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You should review the discussion set forth in “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes — Variable Rate Debt Instruments” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. In general, gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Notes will be capital gain or loss.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether any Reference Stock Issuer would be treated as a United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”), as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a Reference Stock Issuer were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC by the Reference Stock Issuers and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if a Reference Stock Issuer is or becomes a USRPHC.

 

Because 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 the Notes, other characterizations and treatments are possible. As a result, the timing and character of income in respect of the Notes might differ from the treatment described above. You should carefully consider the discussion of all potential tax consequences as set forth in “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES.

 

PS-14
 

 

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

 

In the opinion of Sidley Austin llp, as counsel to the Issuer, when the Notes offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and issued by the Issuer and authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the Senior Indenture referred to in the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012, and delivered against payment as contemplated herein, such Notes will be valid and binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, 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 hereof and is limited to the Federal laws of the United States, the laws of the State of New York and the Maryland General Corporation Law as in effect on the date hereof. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Senior Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated March 22, 2012, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.3 to the Issuer’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2012.

 

PS-15
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS      

 

You should only rely on the information contained in this pricing supplement, the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or to make any representation to you that is not contained in this pricing supplement, the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This pricing supplement, the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these Notes, and these documents are not soliciting an offer to buy these Notes, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not, under any circumstances, assume that the information in this pricing supplement, the accompanying Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus is correct on any date after their respective dates.

 

 

HSBC USA Inc.

 

 

$ 714,000 7 Year Income Plus Notes with a 1.00% Minimum Annual Coupon

 

$ 76,000 7 Year Income Plus Notes with a 0.50% Minimum Annual Coupon

 

June 22, 2012

 

PRICING SUPPLEMENT

 

       
Pricing Supplement      
General   PS-4  
Payment at Maturity   PS-4  
Investor Suitability   PS-5  
Risk Factors   PS-5  
Description of the Reference Stocks.   PS-7  
Illustrative Examples   PS-12  
Events of Default and Acceleration   PS-14  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)   PS-14  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations   PS-14  
Validity of the Notes   PS-15  
       
Stock-Linked Underlying Supplement      
Risk Factors   S-1  
Additional Note Terms   S-5  
Information Regarding the Reference Stocks and the Reference Stock Issuers   S-11  
       
Prospectus Supplement      
Risk Factors   S-3  
Risks Relating to Our Business   S-3  
Risks Relating to All Note Issuances   S-3  
Pricing Supplement   S-7  
Description of Notes   S-8  
Use of Proceeds and Hedging   S-30  
Certain ERISA Considerations   S-30  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations   S-32  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)   S-49  
       
Prospectus      
About this Prospectus   1  
Risk Factors   1  
Where You Can Find More Information   1  
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements   2  
HSBC USA Inc.   3  
Use of Proceeds   3  
Description of Debt Securities   3  
Description of Preferred Stock   15  
Description of Warrants   21  
Description of Purchase Contracts   25  
Description of Units   28  
Book-Entry Procedures   30  
Limitations on Issuances in Bearer Form   35  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Debt Securities   35  
Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)   51  
Notice to Canadian Investors   53  
Notice to EEA Investors   58  
Certain ERISA Matters   59  
Legal Opinions   60  
Experts    60