424B2 1 tv505089_424b2.htm PRICING SUPPLEMENT

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities Offered
  Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price
  Amount of
Registration Fee(1)
Debt Securities   $3,475,000   $421.17

 

(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. 333-223208

October 17, 2018

PRICING SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated February 26, 2018,

Prospectus Supplement dated February 26, 2018 and

ETF Underlying Supplement dated February 26, 2018)

 

 

Linked to the iShares® MSCI EAFE Index ETF (the “Reference Asset”)

 

1.50x exposure to any positive return of the Reference Asset, subject to a maximum return of 15.40%

 

Protection from the first 20% of any losses of the Reference Asset, with 1.25x exposure to any loss in the Reference Asset beyond -20%, with a potential loss of 100% of principal

 

18 month maturity

 

All payments on the Notes are subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.

 

The Buffered Accelerated Market Participation SecuritiesTM (each a “Note” and collectively the “Notes") offered hereunder will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or automated quotation system. The Notes will not bear interest.

 

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 ETF 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. In addition, 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 inform 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-11 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-1 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and page S-1 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes on the Pricing Date is $991.00 per Note, which is less than the price to public. The market value of the Notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. See “Estimated Initial Value” on page PS-2 and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-5 of this document for additional information.

 

 

Price to Public Underwriting Discount(1) Proceeds to Issuer
Per Note $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00
Total $3,475,000.00 $0.00 $3,475,000.00

 

(1) Neither HSBC USA Inc. nor any of its affiliates will pay an underwriting discount. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page PS-11 of this pricing supplement.

 

The Notes:

 

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

 

 

 

 

 

HSBC USA Inc.
Buffered Accelerated Market Participation Securities

Linked to the iShares® MSCI EAFE Index ETF

 

This pricing supplement relates to a single offering of Buffered Accelerated Market Participation SecuritiesTM. The Notes will have the terms described in this pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement or ETF Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this pricing supplement shall control. You should be willing to forgo interest and dividend payments during the term of the Notes and, if the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, lose up to 100% of your principal.

 

This pricing supplement relates to an offering of Notes linked to the performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE Index ETF (the “Reference Asset”). The purchaser of a Note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. linked to the Reference Asset as described below. The following key terms relate to the offering of Notes:

 

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

The iShares® MSCI EAFE Index ETF (Ticker: EFA)

The Reference Asset seeks investment results that generally correspond (before fees and expenses) to the price and yield of the MSCI EAFE® Index (the “Underlying Index”).

Trade Date: October 17, 2018
Pricing Date: October 16, 2018
Original Issue Date: October 24, 2018
Final Valuation Date: April 17, 2020, is subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Valuation Dates” in the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.
Maturity Date: April 24, 2020. The Maturity Date is subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.
Upside Participation Rate: 150% (1.50x)
Maximum Cap: 15.40%
Buffer Percentage: -20%
Downside Leverage Factor: 1/0.80 (1.25x)
Payment at Maturity: On the Maturity Date, for each Note, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value.
Reference Return: The quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows:
 

Final Value – Initial Value

Initial Value

Final Settlement Value:

If the Reference Return is greater than zero, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount, equal to the lesser of:

(a) $1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return × Upside Participation Rate); and

(b) $1,000 + ($1,000 × Maximum Cap).

If the Reference Return is less than or equal to zero but greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage, you will receive $1,000 per $1,000 Principal Amount (zero return).

If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 20%) × Downside Leverage Factor].

Under these circumstances, you will lose 1.25% of the Principal Amount of your Notes for each percentage point that the Reference Return is below the Buffer Percentage. For example, if the Reference Return is -30%, you will suffer a 12.50% loss and receive 87.50% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of HSBC. If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will lose up to 100% of your investment.

Initial Value: $64.79, which was the Official Closing Price of the Reference Asset on the Pricing Date
Final Value: The Official Closing Price of the Reference Asset on the Final Valuation Date.
Form of Notes: Book-Entry
Listing: The Notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.
CUSIP/ISIN: 40435F6A0/US40435F6A02
Estimated Initial Value: The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes is less than the price you pay to purchase the Notes. The Estimated Initial Value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time. See “Risk Factors — The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes, which was determined by us on the Pricing Date, is less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the Notes in the secondary market, if any.”

  

 PS-2 

 

  

GENERAL

 

This pricing supplement relates to an offering of Notes linked to the Reference Asset. The purchaser of a Note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. Although the offering of Notes relates to the Reference Asset, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Reference Asset or any security held by the Reference Asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the Notes.

 

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated February 26, 2018, the prospectus supplement dated February 26, 2018 and the ETF Underlying Supplement dated February 26, 2018. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement or ETF 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-1 of the prospectus supplement and page S-1 of the ETF 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 ETF 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 ETF 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 ETF Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

 

You may also obtain:

 

4The ETF Underlying Supplement at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420418010788/tv486720_424b2.htm

 

4The prospectus supplement at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420418010762/tv486944_424b2.htm

 

4The prospectus at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420418010720/tv487083_424b3.htm

 

PAYMENT AT MATURITY

 

On the Maturity Date, for each Note you hold, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value, which is an amount in cash, as described below:

 

If the Reference Return is greater than zero, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount, equal to the lesser of:

 

(a)       $1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return × Upside Participation Rate); and

(b)       $1,000 + ($1,000 × Maximum Cap).

 

If the Reference Return is less than or equal to zero but greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage, you will receive $1,000 per $1,000 Principal Amount (zero return).

 

If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 20%) × Downside Leverage Factor].

Under these circumstances, you will lose 1.25% of the Principal Amount of your Notes for each percentage point that the Reference Return is below the Buffer Percentage. For example, if the Reference Return is -30%, you will suffer a 12.50% loss and receive 87.50% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of HSBC. If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will lose up to 100% of your investment.

 

Interest

 

The Notes will not bear interest.

 

Calculation Agent

 

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

 

Reference Issuer

 

iShares, Inc. is the reference issuer.

 

 PS-3 

 

 

INVESTOR SUITABILITY

 

The Notes may be suitable for you if:

 

4You seek an investment with an enhanced return linked to the potential positive performance of the Reference Asset and you believe the price of the Reference Asset will increase over the term of the Notes.

 

4You are willing to invest in the Notes based on the Maximum Cap of 15.40%, which may limit your return at maturity.

 

4You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to the Downside Leverage Factor of approximately 1.25x for each percentage point that the Reference Return is less than -20% and you understand that the leverage factor may magnify your losses up to a 100% loss of your investment

 

4You are willing to forgo dividends or other distributions paid to holders of the Reference Asset or the stocks held by the Reference Asset.

 

4You are willing to accept the risk and return profile of the Notes versus a conventional debt security with a comparable maturity issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

 

4You do not seek current income from your investment.

 

4You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market.

 

4You are willing to hold the Notes to maturity.

 

4You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as Issuer of the Notes.

 

The Notes may not be suitable for you if:

 

4You believe the Reference Return will be negative or that the Reference Return will not be sufficiently positive to provide you with your desired return.

 

4You are unwilling to invest in the Notes based on the Maximum Cap of 15.40%, which may limit your return at maturity.

 

4You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to the Downside Leverage Factor of approximately 1.25x for each percentage point that the Reference Return is below -20%, up to a 100% loss of your investment.

 

4You seek an investment that provides full return of principal.

 

4You 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.

 

4You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid to the holders of the Reference Asset or the stocks held by the Reference Asset.

 

4You seek current income from your investment.

 

4You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.

 

4You are unable or unwilling to hold the Notes to maturity.

 

4You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as Issuer of the Notes.

 

 PS-4 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and on page S-1 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Reference Asset or any of the stocks included in the Underlying Index. 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, prospectus, prospectus supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

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

 

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

 

4“— General Risks Related to Index Funds” in the ETF Underlying Supplement

 

4“— Securities Prices Generally Are Subject to Political, Economic, Financial, and Social Factors that Apply to the Markets in which They Trade and, to a Lesser Extent, Foreign Markets” in the ETF Underlying Supplement; and

 

4“— Time Differences Between the Domestic and Foreign Markets and New York City May Create Discrepancies in the Trading Level or Price of the Notes” in the ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

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

 

Your investment in the Notes may result in a loss.

 

You will be exposed to the decline in the Final Value from the Initial Value beyond the Buffer Percentage of -20% on a leveraged basis, which will magnify your loses by 1.25%. Accordingly, if the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage of -20%, your Payment at Maturity will be less than the Principal Amount of your Notes. You will lose some or a significant portion (up to 100%) of your investment at maturity if the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage.

 

The appreciation on the Notes is limited by the Maximum Cap.

 

You will not participate in any appreciation in the price of the Reference Asset (as multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate) beyond the Maximum Cap of 15.40%. You will not receive a return on the Notes greater than the Maximum Cap.

 

The amount payable on the Notes is not linked to the price of the Reference Asset at any time other than on the Final Valuation Date.

 

The Final Value will be based on the Official Closing Price of the Reference Asset on the Final Valuation Date, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if the price of the Reference Asset appreciates during the term of the Notes other than on the Final Valuation Date but then decreases on the Final Valuation Date to a price that is less than the Initial Value, the Payment at Maturity may be less, and may be significantly less, than it would have been had the Payment at Maturity been linked to the price of the Reference Asset prior to such decrease. Although the actual price of the Reference Asset on the Maturity Date or at other times during the term of the Notes may be higher than the Final Value, the Payment at Maturity will be based solely on the Official Closing Price of the Reference Asset on the Final Valuation Date.

 

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 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.

 

The Notes will not bear interest.

 

As a holder of the Notes, you will not receive interest payments.

 

Owning the Notes is not the same as owning the Reference Asset or the stocks included in the Underlying Index.

 

The return on your Notes may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the Reference Asset or stocks included in the Underlying Index. As a holder of the Notes, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or other rights as would the holders of the Reference Asset or the stocks included in the Underlying Index.

 

 PS-5 

 

 

Changes that affect the Reference Asset or the Underlying Index may affect the price of the Reference Asset and the market value of the Notes and the amount you will receive at maturity.

 

The policies of the reference issuer or MSCI Inc. (the “Index Sponsor”), the index sponsor of the Underlying Index, concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the constituents comprising the Reference Asset or the Underlying Index, as applicable, and the manner in which the reference issuer or the Index Sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those constituents included in the Reference Asset or the Underlying Index may affect the price of the Reference Asset. The policies of the reference issuer or the Index Sponsor with respect to the calculation of the Reference Asset or the Underlying Index, as applicable, could also affect the price of the Reference Asset. The reference issuer or the Index Sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the Reference Asset or the Underlying Index, as applicable. Any such actions could affect the price of the Reference Asset and the value of the Notes.

 

The Notes are not insured or guaranteed 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 or guaranteed 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.

 

The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes, which was determined by us on the Pricing Date, is less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the Notes in the secondary market, if any.

 

The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes was calculated by us on the Pricing Date and is less than the price to public. The Estimated Initial Value reflects our internal funding rate, which is the borrowing rate we pay to issue market-linked securities, as well as the mid-market value of the embedded derivatives in the Notes. This internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. As a result of the difference between our internal funding rate and the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities, the Estimated Initial Value of the Notes may be lower if it were based on the prices at which our fixed or floating rate debt securities trade in the secondary market. In addition, if we were to use the rate we use for our conventional fixed or floating rate debt issuances, we would expect the economic terms of the Notes to be more favorable to you. We determined the value of the embedded derivatives in the Notes by reference to our or our affiliates’ internal pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, which can include volatility and interest rates. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the Notes that are different from our Estimated Initial Value. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. The Estimated Initial Value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time.

 

The price of your Notes in the secondary market, if any, immediately after the Pricing Date will be less than the price to public.

 

The price to public takes into account certain costs. These costs, which will be used or retained by us or one of our affiliates, include the underwriting discount, our affiliates’ projected hedging profits (which may or may not be realized) for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the Notes and the costs associated with structuring and hedging our obligations under the Notes. If you were to sell your Notes in the secondary market, if any, the price you would receive for your Notes may be less than the price you paid for them because secondary market prices will not take into account these costs. The price of your Notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors, including the price of the Reference Asset and changes in market conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. The Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments, and you should, therefore, be able and willing to hold the Notes to maturity. Any sale of the Notes prior to maturity could result in a loss to you.

 

If we were to repurchase your Notes immediately after the Original Issue Date, the price you receive may be higher than the Estimated Initial Value of the Notes.

 

Assuming that all relevant factors remain constant after the Original Issue Date, the price at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may initially buy or sell the Notes in the secondary market, if any, and the value that we may initially use for customer account statements, if we provide any customer account statements at all, may exceed the Estimated Initial Value on the Pricing Date for a temporary period expected to be approximately 4 months after the Original Issue Date. This temporary price difference may exist because, in our discretion, we may elect to effectively reimburse to investors a portion of the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the Notes and other costs in connection with the Notes that we will no longer expect to incur over the term of the Notes. We will make such discretionary election and determine this temporary reimbursement period on the basis of a number of factors, including the tenor of the Notes and any agreement we may have with the distributors of the Notes. The amount of our estimated costs which we effectively reimburse to investors in this way may not be allocated ratably throughout the reimbursement period, and we may discontinue such reimbursement at any time or revise the duration of the reimbursement period after the Original Issue Date of the Notes based on changes in market conditions and other factors that cannot be predicted.

 

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.

 

 PS-6 

 

 

Potential conflicts of interest may exist.

 

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.

 

Uncertain 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.

 

Risks associated with emerging markets.

 

An investment in the Notes will involve risks not generally associated with investments which have no emerging market component. In particular, many emerging nations are undergoing rapid change, involving the restructuring of economic, political, financial and legal systems. Regulatory and tax environments may be subject to change without review or appeal. Many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of capital markets and tax regulation. The risk of expropriation and nationalization remains a threat. Guarding against such risks is made more difficult by low levels of corporate disclosure and unreliability of economic and financial data.

 

Risks associated with non-U.S. companies.

 

The value of the Reference Asset depends, in part, upon the stocks of non-U.S. companies, and thus involves risks associated with the home countries of those non-U.S. companies. The prices of these non-U.S. stocks may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in the home country of each applicable company, including changes in that country’s government, economic and fiscal policies, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions, which could affect the value of the Notes. These foreign securities may have less liquidity and could be more volatile than many of the securities traded in U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize the relevant foreign securities markets, as well as cross shareholdings in foreign companies, may affect trading levels or prices and volumes in those markets. The other special risks associated with foreign securities may include, but are not limited to: less liquidity and smaller market capitalizations; less rigorous regulation of securities markets; different accounting and disclosure standards; governmental interference; currency fluctuations; higher inflation; and social, economic and political uncertainties. These factors may adversely affect the performance of the Reference Asset and, as a result, the value of the Notes.

 

The Notes will not be adjusted for changes in exchange rates.

 

Although the equity securities that are held by the Reference Asset are traded in currencies other than U.S. dollars, and your Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, the amount payable on your Notes at maturity, if any, will not be adjusted for changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which these non-U.S. equity securities are denominated. Changes in exchange rates, however, may also reflect changes in the applicable non-U.S. economies that in turn may affect the value of the Reference Asset, and therefore your Notes. The amount we pay in respect of your Notes on the maturity date, if any, will be determined solely in accordance with the procedures described in this pricing supplement.

 

 PS-7 

 

 

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

 

The following table and examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are hypothetical. They do not purport to be representative of every possible scenario concerning increases or decreases in the price of the Reference Asset relative to its Initial Value. We cannot predict the Final Value. The assumptions we have made in connection with the illustrations set forth below may not reflect actual events, and the hypothetical Initial Value used in the table and examples below is not the actual Initial Value. You should not take this illustration or these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the Reference Asset or the return on your Notes. The Final Settlement Value may be less than the amount that you would have received from a conventional debt security with the same stated maturity, including such a security issued by HSBC. The numbers appearing in the table below and following examples have been rounded for ease of analysis.

 

The table below illustrates the Payment at Maturity on a $1,000 investment in the Notes for a hypothetical range of Reference Returns from -100% to +100%. The following results are based solely on the assumptions outlined below. The “Hypothetical Return on the Notes” as used below is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Final Settlement Value per $1,000 Principal Amount to $1,000. The potential returns described here assume that your Notes are held to maturity. You should consider carefully whether the Notes are suitable to your investment goals. The following table and examples are based on the following terms:

 

4 Principal Amount: $1,000
4 Hypothetical Initial Value: $100.00
4 Upside Participation Rate: 150%
4 Maximum Cap: 15.40%
4 Buffer Percentage: -20%
4 Downside Leverage Factor: 1/0.80 (1.25x)

 

The actual Initial Value is set forth on page PS-2 of this pricing supplement.

 

Hypothetical

Final Value

Hypothetical

Reference Return

Hypothetical

Payment at Maturity

Hypothetical

Return on the Notes

$200.00 100.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$180.00 80.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$160.00 60.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$140.00 40.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$130.00 30.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$120.00 20.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$115.00 15.00% $1,154.00 15.40%
$110.27 10.27% $1,154.00 15.40%
$105.00 5.00% $1,075.00 7.50%
$102.00 2.00% $1,030.00 3.00%
$101.00 1.00% $1,015.00 1.50%
$100.00 0.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$99.00 -1.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$98.00 -2.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$95.00 -5.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$85.00 -15.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$80.00 -20.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$70.00 -30.00% $875.00 -12.50%
$60.00 -40.00% $750.00 -25.00%
$50.00 -50.00% $625.00 -37.50%
$40.00 -60.00% $500.00 -50.00%
$20.00 -80.00% $250.00 -75.00%
$0.00 -100.00% $0.00 -100.00%

 

 PS-8 

 

 

The following examples indicate how the Final Settlement Value would be calculated with respect to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Notes.

 

Example 1: The price of the Reference Asset increases from the Initial Value of $100.00 to a Final Value of $105.00.

 

   
Reference Return: 5.00%
Final Settlement Value: $1,075.00

 

Because the Reference Return is positive, and the Reference Return multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate is less than the Maximum Cap, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,075.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return × Upside Participation Rate)

= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 5.00% ×150%)

= $1,075.00

 

Example 1 shows that you will receive the return of your principal investment plus a return equal to the Reference Return multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate when the Reference Asset appreciates and such Reference Return multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate does not exceed the Maximum Cap.

 

Example 2: The price of the Reference Asset increases from the Initial Value of $100.00 to a Final Value of $120.00.

 

   
Reference Return: 20.00%
Final Settlement Value: $1,154.00

 

Because the Reference Return is positive, and the Reference Return multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate is greater than the Maximum Cap, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,154.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Maximum Cap)

= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 15.40%)

= $1,154.00

 

Example 2 shows that you will receive the return of your principal investment plus a return equal to the Maximum Cap when the Reference Return is positive and such Reference Return multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate exceeds the Maximum Cap.

 

Example 3: The price of the Reference Asset decreases from the Initial Value of $100.00 to a Final Value of $95.00.

 

   
Reference Return: -5.00%
Final Settlement Value: $1,000.00

 

Because the Reference Return is less than zero but greater than the Buffer Percentage of -20%, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,000.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount (a zero return).

 

Example 4: The price of the Reference Asset decreases from the Initial Value of $100.00 to a Final Value of $50.00

 

   
Reference Return: -50.00%
Final Settlement Value: $625.00

 

Because the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage of -20%, the Final Settlement Value would be $625.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 20% x Downside Leverage Factor)]

= $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-50.00% + 20%) × 1.25%]

= $625.00

 

Example 4 shows that you are exposed on a 1-to-1 basis to declines in the price of the Reference Asset beyond the Buffer Percentage of -20%. You may lose up to 100% of your investment.

 

 PS-9 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE ASSET

 

iShares® MSCI EAFE Index ETF

 

The Reference Asset seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the European, Australasian, and Far Eastern markets, as measured by the MSCI EAFE® Index (the "Underlying Index").

 

As of October 17, 2018 the Underlying Index consisted of the following 21 component country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 

For more information about the Reference Asset, see “The iShares® MSCI EAFE Index ETF” beginning on page S-24 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

Historical Performance

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low closing prices, as well as end-of-quarter closing prices of the Reference Asset for each quarter in the period from January 2, 2008 through October 17, 2018 . We obtained the data in this table from the Bloomberg Professional® service, without independent verification by us. All historical prices are denominated in US dollars and rounded to the nearest penny.

 

  The graph below illustrates the daily performance of the Reference Asset from January 2, 2008 through October 17, 2018 based on information from the Bloomberg Professional® service. Past performance of the Reference Asset is not indicative of its future performance.
Quarter Ending Quarter
High ($)
Quarter
Low ($)
Quarter
Close ($)
 

 

March 31, 2008 78.50 68.31 71.90  
June 30, 2008 78.52 68.10 68.70  
September 30, 2008 68.70 53.08 56.30  
December 31, 2008 56.30 35.71 44.87  
March 31, 2009 45.44 31.69 37.59  
June 30, 2009 49.04 37.59 45.81  
September 30, 2009 55.81 43.91 54.70  
December 31, 2009 57.28 52.66 55.30  
March 31, 2010 57.96 50.45 56.00  
June 30, 2010 58.03 46.29 46.51  
September 30, 2010 55.42 46.51 54.92  
December 31, 2010 59.46 54.25 58.23  
March 31, 2011 61.91 55.31 60.09  
June 30, 2011 63.87 57.10 60.14  
September 30, 2011 60.80 46.66 47.75  
December 31, 2011 55.57 46.45 49.53  
March 31, 2012 55.80 49.15 54.90  
June 30, 2012 55.51 46.55 49.96  
September 30, 2012 55.15 47.62 53.00  
December 31, 2012 56.88 51.96 56.82  
March 30, 2013 59.89 56.82 58.98  
June 30, 2013 63.53 57.03 57.38  
September 30, 2013 65.05 57.38 63.79  
December 31, 2013 67.06 62.71 67.06  
March 31, 2014 68.03 62.31 67.17  
June 30, 2014 70.67 66.26 68.37  
September 30, 2014 69.25 64.12 64.12  
December 31, 2014 64.51 59.53 60.84  
March 31, 2015 65.99 58.48 64.17  
June 30, 2015 68.42 63.49 63.49  
September 30, 2015 65.46 56.25 57.32  
December 31, 2015 62.06 57.32 58.75  
March 31, 2016 58.75 51.38 57.13  
June 30, 2016 59.87 52.64 55.81  
September 30, 2016 59.86 54.44 59.13  
December 31, 2016 59.20 56.20 57.73  
March 31, 2017 62.60 57.73 62.29  
June 30, 2017 67.22 61.44 65.20  
September 30, 2017 68.48 64.83 68.48  
December 31, 2017 70.80 68.42 70.31  
March 31, 2018 75.25 67.94 69.68  
June 30, 2018 71.90 66.35 66.97  
September 30, 2018 68.98 65.43 67.99  
October 17, 2018 .* 68.07 63.62 64.42  

 

* This document includes, for the fourth calendar quarter of 2018, data for the period from October 1, 2018 through October 17, 2018 . Accordingly, the “Quarter High,” “Quarter Low” and “Quarter Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the fourth calendar quarter of 2018.

 

 PS-10 

 

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION

 

If the Notes have become immediately due and payable following an Event of Default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the Notes, the calculation agent will determine the accelerated payment due and payable at maturity in the same general manner as described in “Payment at Maturity” in this pricing supplement.  In that case, the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the Final Valuation Date for purposes of determining the Reference Return, and the accelerated maturity date will be three business days after the accelerated Final Valuation Date.  If a Market Disruption Event exists with respect to the Reference Asset on that scheduled trading day, then the accelerated Final Valuation Date for the Reference Asset will be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days (in the same manner used for postponing the originally scheduled Final Valuation Date).  The accelerated maturity date will also be postponed by an equal number of business days.

 

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

 

SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

 

We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, as the agent for the sale of the Notes. Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the Notes from HSBC at the price to public less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement, 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 price to public set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement. Neither HSBC USA Inc. nor any of its affiliates will pay an underwriting discount.

 

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 the 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-61 in the prospectus supplement.

 

Delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on the Original Issue Date set forth on the inside cover page of this document, which is more than two business days following the Trade Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to that trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes more than two business days prior to the Original Issue Date will be required to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement, and should consult their own advisors.

 

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 securities. 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 contingent payment debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, our special U.S. tax counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, has advised us that it is unable to opine on the validity of this treatment. Because there are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of notes with terms that are substantially the same as those of the notes, other characterizations and treatments are possible and the timing and character of income in respect of the notes might differ from the treatment described herein. 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. Pursuant to the terms of the Notes, you agree to treat the Notes as contingent payment debt instruments for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming the Notes are treated as contingent payment debt instruments, a U.S. holder will be required to include original issue discount (“OID”) in gross income each year, even though no payments will be made on the Notes until maturity.

 

Based on the factors described in the section, “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Tax Treatment of U.S. Holders — U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes —Contingent securities,” we have determined that the comparable yield of the Notes, solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will be 3.13% per annum (compounded annually). Further, based upon the method described in the section, “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations —Tax Treatment of U.S. Holders — U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes — Contingent Notes” and based upon the comparable yield, we have determined that the projected payment schedule for Notes that have a Principal Amount of $1,000 and an issue price of $1,000 consists of a single payment of 1,047.54 at maturity.

 

 PS-11 

 

 

Based upon the comparable yield, a U.S. holder that pays taxes on a calendar year basis, buys a security for $1,000, and holds the security until maturity will be required to pay taxes on the following amounts of ordinary income in respect of the Notes in each year:

 

Year OID
2018 $5.83
2019 $31.48
2020 $10.23

 

However, the ordinary income reported in the taxable year the Notes mature will be adjusted to reflect the actual payment received at maturity. U.S. holders may obtain the actual comparable yield and projected payment schedule as determined by us by submitting a written request to: Structured Equity Derivatives – Structuring HSBC Bank USA, National Association, 452 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018. A U.S. holder is generally bound by the comparable yield and the projected payment schedule established by us for the Notes. However, if a U.S. holder believes that the projected payment schedule is unreasonable, a U.S. holder must determine its own projected payment schedule and explicitly disclose the use of such schedule and the reason the holder believes the projected payment schedule is unreasonable on its timely filed U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year in which it acquires the Notes.

 

The comparable yield and projected payment schedule are not provided for any purpose other than the determination of a U.S. holder’s interest accruals for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not constitute a projection or representation by us regarding the actual yield on a security. We do not make any representation as to what such actual yield will be.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the Reference Asset or any of the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Asset would be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) or United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”), both as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Reference Asset or one or more of the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Asset were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC and other authorities by the Reference Asset and the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Asset and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if the Reference Asset or one or more of the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Asset is or becomes a PFIC or a USRPHC.

 

A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, Internal Revenue Service guidance provides that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2021. Based on the Issuer’s determination that the Notes are not “delta-one” instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Reference Asset or the Notes, and following such occurrence the Notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Reference Asset or the Notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.

 

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-12 

 

 

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

 

In the opinion of Mayer Brown LLP, as counsel to the Issuer, when this pricing supplement has been attached to, and duly notated on, the master note that represents the Notes pursuant to the Senior Indenture referred to in the prospectus supplement dated February 26, 2018, and issued and paid for as contemplated herein, the Notes offered by this pricing supplement will be valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Issuer, entitled to the benefits of the Senior Indenture, 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). This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the Maryland General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Maryland Constitution and the reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing) and the federal laws of the United States of America. 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 to such counsel’s reliance on the Issuer and other sources as to certain factual matters, all as stated in the legal opinion dated March 1, 2018, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.4 to the Issuer’s registration statement on Form S-3 dated February 26, 2018.

 

 PS-13 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS    

 

You should only rely on the information contained in this pricing supplement, the accompanying ETF 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 ETF 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 ETF 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 ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus is correct on any date after their respective dates.

 

 

 

 

 

HSBC USA Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

$3,475,000 Buffered Accelerated
Market Participation Securities
Linked to the iShares® MSCI EAFE
Index ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 17, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Pricing Supplement

 

 

 

 

     
Pricing Supplement    
General PS-3  
Payment at Maturity PS-3  
Investor Suitability PS-4  
Risk Factors PS-5  
Illustrative Examples PS-8  
Description of the Reference Asset PS-10  
Events of Default and Acceleration PS-11  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) PS-11  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations PS-11  
Validity of the Notes PS-12  
     
ETF Underlying Supplement    
     
Risk Factors S-1  
Reference Sponsors and Index Funds S-9  
The Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund S-10  
The Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund S-12  
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund S-14  
The iShares® China Large-Cap ETF S-16  
The iShares® Latin America 40 ETF S-19  
The iShares® MSCI Brazil Capped ETF S-21  
The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF S-24  
The iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF S-26  
The iShares® MSCI Mexico Capped ETF S-28  
The iShares® Transportation Average ETF S-30  
The iShares® U.S. Real Estate ETF S-31  
The Market Vectors® Gold Miners ETF S-32  
The Powershares QQQ TrustSM, Series 1 S-34  
The SPDR® Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM ETF Trust S-37  
The SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust S-39  
The Vanguard® FTSE Emerging Markets ETF S-41  
The WisdomTree® Japan Hedged Equity Fund S-44  
Additional Terms of the Notes S-47  
     
Prospectus Supplement    
     
Risk Factors S-1  
Pricing Supplement S-10  
Description of Notes S-12  
Use of Proceeds and Hedging S-36  
Certain ERISA Considerations S-37  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations S-39  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) S-61  
     
Prospectus    
About this Prospectus 1  
Risk Factors 2  
Where You Can Find More Information 3  
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 4  
HSBC USA Inc. 7  
Use of Proceeds 8  
Description of Debt Securities 9  
Description of Preferred Stock 20  
Description of Warrants 25  
Description of Purchase Contracts 30  
Description of Units 33  
Book-Entry Procedures 36  
Limitations on Issuances in Bearer Form 40  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Debt Securities 41  
Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) 49  
Notice to Canadian Investors 52  
Notice to EEA Investors 53  
Notice to UK Investors 54  
UK Financial Promotion 54
Certain ERISA Matters 55  
Legal Opinions 57  
Experts  58