The information in this preliminary pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these Notes until the pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the index supplement and the accompanying prospectus (collectively, the “Offering Documents”) are delivered in final form. The Offering Documents are not an offer to sell these Notes and we are not soliciting offers to buy these Notes in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion PRELIMINARY PRICING SUPPLEMENT Dated February 7, 2019 Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement No. 333-225551 (To Prospectus dated October 31, 2018, Index Supplement dated October 31, 2018 and Product Supplement dated October 31, 2018) |
UBS AG
$n Trigger
Contingent Absolute Return Digital Notes
Linked to the S&P 500® Index due on or about
February 18, 2020
Investment Description
UBS AG Trigger Contingent Absolute Return Digital Notes (the “Notes”) are unsubordinated, unsecured debt securities issued by UBS AG (“UBS” or the “issuer”) linked to the performance of the S&P 500® Index (the “underlying asset”). The amount you receive at maturity will be based on the direction and percentage change in the closing level of the underlying asset from the trade date to the final valuation date (the “underlying return”) and whether the closing level of the underlying asset on the final valuation date (the “final level”) is less than the digital barrier and the downside threshold. If the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to the principal amount plus a percentage return equal to the digital return. If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to the principal amount plus a return equal to the product of (i) the absolute value of the underlying return (the “absolute underlying return”) multiplied by (ii) the downside participation rate, which is less than 1.0. If, however, the final level is less than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note that is less than the principal amount, if anything, resulting in a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the underlying return and, in extreme situations, you could lose all of your initial investment. Investing in the Notes involves significant risks. The Notes do not pay interest. You may lose a significant portion or all of your initial investment. The contingent repayment of principal applies only if you hold the Notes to maturity. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its payment obligations you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment.
Features
q | Digital Return Feature: At maturity, if the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to the principal amount plus a percentage return equal to the digital return, regardless of the percentage return of the underlying asset. |
q | Leveraged Absolute Underlying Return at Maturity with Potential for Full Downside Market Exposure: If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to the principal amount plus the product of (i) the absolute underlying return multiplied by (ii) the downside participation rate, which is less than 1.0. If, however, the final level is less than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note that is less than the principal amount, if anything, resulting in a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the underlying return and, in extreme situations, you could lose all of your initial investment. The contingent repayment of principal applies only if you hold the Notes to maturity. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. |
Key Dates*
Trade Date** | February 7, 2019 |
Settlement Date** | February 12, 2019 |
Final Valuation Date | February 13, 2020 |
Maturity Date | February 18, 2020 |
* | Expected. See page 2 for additional details. | |
** | We expect to deliver the Notes against payment on or about the third business day following the trade date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days (T+2), unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes in the secondary market on any date prior to two business days before delivery of the Notes will be required, by virtue of the fact that each Note initially will settle in three business days (T+3), to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement of the secondary market trade. |
Notice to investors: the Notes are significantly riskier than conventional debt instruments. The issuer is not necessarily obligated to repay the principal amount of the Notes at maturity, and the Notes may have the same downside market risk as that of a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset. This market risk is in addition to the credit risk inherent in purchasing a debt obligation of UBS. You should not purchase the Notes if you do not understand or are not comfortable with the significant risks involved in investing in the Notes.
You should carefully consider the risks described under “Key Risks” beginning on page 3 and under “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-9 of the accompanying product supplement before purchasing any Notes. Events relating to any of those risks, or other risks and uncertainties, could adversely affect the market value of, and the return on your Notes. You may lose a significant portion or all of your initial investment in the Notes. The Notes will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network.
Note Offering
These preliminary terms relate to the Notes. The final terms for the Notes will be set on the trade date.
Underlying Asset | Bloomberg Ticker | Digital Return | Downside Participation Rate | Initial Level |
Digital Barrier | Downside Threshold | CUSIP | ISIN |
S&P 500® Index | SPX | 6.50% | 0.50 | • | 100% of the Initial Level | 75% of the Initial Level | 90270KXV6 | US90270KXV69 |
The estimated initial value of the Notes as of the trade date is expected to be between $962.50 and $992.50. The range of the estimated initial value of the Notes was determined on the date hereof by reference to UBS’ internal pricing models, inclusive of the internal funding rate. For more information about secondary market offers and the estimated initial value of the Notes, see “Key Risks — Fair value considerations” and “Key Risks — Limited or no secondary market and secondary market price considerations” on pages 3 and 4 herein.
See “Additional Information about UBS and the Notes” on page ii. The Notes will have the terms specified in the accompanying product supplement relating to the Notes, dated October 31, 2018, the index supplement, the accompanying prospectus and this document.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this document, the accompanying product supplement, the index supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The Notes are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
Offering of Notes | Issue Price to Public(1) | Underwriting Discount(1)(2) | Proceeds to UBS AG(2) | |||
Total | Per Note | Total | Per Note | Total | Per Note | |
Notes linked to the S&P500® Index | $• | $1,000.00 | $• | Up to $3.50 | $• | At least $996.50 |
(1) | Certain registered investment advisers unaffiliated from UBS may purchase Notes from a third-party dealer at a purchase price of at least $997.50 per principal amount of the Notes, and such third-party dealer, with respect to sales made to such registered investment advisers, may forgo some or all of the underwriting discount with respect to such sales. |
(2) | Our affiliate, UBS Securities LLC, will receive an underwriting discount of up to $3.50 per principal amount for each Note sold in this offering. UBS Securities LLC intends to re-allow the full amount of this discount to one or more third-party dealers. The per Note proceeds to UBS AG indicated above represents the minimum per Note proceeds, which will vary depending on the underwriting discount actually applicable to a Note, which is variable. The total underwriting discount and proceeds to UBS AG, which will be disclosed in the final pricing supplement, will reflect the total amount of the underwriting discount. |
UBS Securities LLC | UBS Investment Bank |
Additional Information about UBS and the Notes
UBS has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by a product supplement for the Notes and an index supplement for various securities we may offer, including the Notes), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), for the Notes to which this document relates. Before you invest, you should read these documents and any other documents relating to the Notes that UBS has filed with the SEC for more complete information about UBS and this offering. You may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 0001114446.
You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows:
¨ | Market-Linked Securities product supplement dated October 31, 2018: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1114446/000091412118002085/ub47016353-424b2.htm |
¨ | Index supplement dated October 31, 2018: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1114446/000091412118002083/ub46174419-424b2.htm |
¨ | Prospectus dated October 31, 2018: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1114446/000119312518314003/d612032d424b3.htm |
References to “UBS,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer only to UBS AG and not to its consolidated subsidiaries and references to “Notes” refer to the Trigger Contingent Absolute Return Digital Notes that are offered hereby, unless the context otherwise requires. Also, references to the “accompanying product supplement” mean the UBS product supplement, dated October 31, 2018, references to the “index supplement” mean the UBS index supplement, dated October 31, 2018 and references to “accompanying prospectus” mean the UBS prospectus titled “Debt Securities and Warrants,” dated October 31, 2018.
This document, together with the documents listed above, contains the terms of the Notes and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including all other prior pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Key Risks” herein and in “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-9 of the accompanying product supplement, as the Notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before deciding to invest in the Notes.
If there is any inconsistency between the terms of the Notes described in the accompanying prospectus, the index supplement, the accompanying product supplement and this document, the following hierarchy will govern: first, this document; second, the accompanying product supplement; third, the index supplement and last, the accompanying prospectus.
UBS reserves the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the Notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any changes to the terms of the Notes, UBS will notify you and you will be asked to accept such changes in connection with your purchase. You may also choose to reject such changes in which case UBS may reject your offer to purchase.
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Investor Suitability
The Notes may be suitable for you if:
¨ | You fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Notes, including the risk of loss of all of your initial investment. |
¨ | You can tolerate a loss of a significant portion or all of your initial investment and are willing to make an investment that may have the same downside market risk as that of a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset or a direct investment in the stocks comprising the underlying asset (the “underlying equity constituents”). |
¨ | You believe that the level of the underlying asset will decline during the term of the Notes to a final level that is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, and you believe that, if the level of the underlying asset increases during the term of the Notes, the final level will increase relative to the initial level by a percentage not exceeding the digital return indicated on the cover hereof. |
¨ | You understand and accept that if the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, your potential return is limited to the digital return. |
¨ | You understand and accept that if the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, your potential return is limited by the downside participation rate, which is less than 1.0, and downside threshold. |
¨ | You would be willing to invest in the Notes based on the downside participation rate and digital return indicated on the cover hereof. |
¨ | You would be willing to invest in the Notes based on the digital barrier and downside threshold indicated on the cover hereof. |
¨ | You can tolerate fluctuations in the price of the Notes prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the underlying asset. |
¨ | You do not seek current income from your investment and are willing to forgo any dividends paid on the underlying equity constituents. |
¨ | You understand and are willing to accept the risks associated with the underlying asset. |
¨ | You are willing to hold the Notes to maturity and accept that there may be little or no secondary market for the Notes. |
¨ | You are willing to assume the credit risk of UBS for all payments under the Notes, and understand that if UBS defaults on its obligations you may not receive any amounts due to you including any repayment of principal. |
¨ | You understand that the estimated initial value of the Notes determined by our internal pricing models is lower than the issue price and that should UBS Securities LLC or any affiliate make secondary markets for the Notes, the price (not including their customary bid-ask spreads) will temporarily exceed the internal pricing model price. |
The Notes may not be suitable for you if:
¨ | You do not fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Notes, including the risk of loss of all of your initial investment. |
¨ | You require an investment designed to provide a full return of principal at maturity. |
¨ | You cannot tolerate a loss of a significant portion or all of your initial investment or are unwilling to make an investment that may have the same downside market risk as that of a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset or a direct investment in the underlying equity constituents. |
¨ | You believe that the level of the underlying asset will decline during the term of the Notes to a final level that is less than the downside threshold, or you believe that the final level will increase relative to the initial level by a percentage that exceeds the digital return indicated on the cover hereof. |
¨ | You seek an investment that has unlimited return potential, or you would be unwilling to invest in the Notes based on the digital return or downside participation rate indicated on the cover hereof. |
¨ | You would be unwilling to invest in the Notes based on the digital barrier or downside threshold indicated on the cover hereof. |
¨ | You cannot tolerate fluctuations in the price of the Notes prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the underlying asset. |
¨ | You do not understand or are not willing to accept the risks associated with the underlying asset. |
¨ | You seek current income from your investment or prefer to receive any dividends paid on the underlying equity constituents. |
¨ | You are unable or unwilling to hold the Notes to maturity or you seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market. |
¨ | You are not willing to assume the credit risk of UBS for all payments under the Notes, including any repayment of principal. |
The investor suitability considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the Notes are a suitable investment for you will depend on your individual circumstances and you should reach an investment decision only after you and your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors have carefully considered the suitability of an investment in the Notes in light of your particular circumstances. You should review “Information About the Underlying Asset” herein for more information on the underlying asset. You should also review “Key Risks” herein and the more detailed “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement for risks related to an investment in the Notes.
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Preliminary Terms
Issuer | UBS AG London Branch |
Principal Amount | $1,000 per Note |
Term | Approximately 1 year. In the event that we make any change to the expected trade date and settlement date, the calculation agent may adjust the final valuation date and maturity date to ensure that the stated term of the Notes remains the same. |
Underlying Asset | S&P 500® Index |
Digital Return | 6.50%. |
Downside Participation Rate | 0.50 |
Payment at Maturity (per Note) | If the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, UBS will pay you an amount in cash equal to: |
$1,000 × (1 + Digital Return) | |
If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you an amount in cash equal to: $1,000 × [1 + (Absolute Underlying Return x Downside Participation Rate)] | |
In this scenario, due to the downside threshold and downside participation rate, the percentage return on your initial investment will be effectively capped at 12.50% and the corresponding maximum payment at maturity will be $1,250 per Note. | |
If the final level is less than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you an amount in cash that is less than your principal amount, if anything, equal to: | |
$1,000 × (1 + Underlying Return) In this scenario, you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the underlying return. | |
Underlying Return |
The quotient, expressed as a percentage, of the following formula: Final Level − Initial Level |
Absolute Underlying Return | The absolute value of the underlying return. For example, if the underlying return is -5%, the absolute value of the underlying return will be equal to 5%. |
Initial Level(1) | The closing level of the underlying asset on the trade date. |
Final Level(1) | The closing level of the underlying asset on the final valuation date. |
Digital Barrier(1) | A specified level of the underlying asset that is equal to the initial level, as indicated on the cover hereof. |
Downside Threshold(1) | A specified level of the underlying asset that is less than the initial level, equal to a percentage of the initial level, as indicated on the cover hereof. |
(1) As determined by the calculation agent and as may be adjusted as described under “General Terms of the Securities — Discontinuance of or Adjustment to an Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation”, as described in the accompanying product supplement. |
Investment Timeline
Trade Date | The initial level is observed and the final terms of the Notes are set. | |
¯ | ||
Maturity Date |
The final level is observed on the final valuation date and the underlying return is calculated. If the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, UBS will pay you an amount in cash per Note equal to: $1,000 × (1 + Digital Return) If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you an amount in cash per Note equal to: $1,000 × [1 + (Absolute Underlying Return x Downside Participation Rate)] In this scenario, due to the downside threshold and downside participation rate, the percentage return on your initial investment will be effectively capped at 12.50% and the corresponding maximum payment at maturity will be $1,250 per Note. If the final level is less than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you an amount in cash per Note that is less than your principal amount, if anything, equal to: $1,000 × (1 + Underlying Return) In this scenario, you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the underlying return. |
Investing in the Notes involves significant risks. You may lose a significant portion or all of your initial investment. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its payment obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment.
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Key Risks
An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Some of the key risks that apply to the Notes are summarized here, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the Notes generally in the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying product supplement. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the Notes.
¨ | Risk of loss at maturity — The Notes differ from ordinary debt securities in that UBS will not necessarily repay the principal amount of the Notes. UBS will pay you the principal amount of your Notes in cash at maturity only if the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold. If the final level is less than the downside threshold, you will lose a percentage of your principal amount equal to the underlying return and, in extreme situations, you could lose all of your initial investment. |
¨ | The digital return and absolute underlying return feature apply only at maturity — You should be willing to hold your Notes to maturity. If you are able to sell your Notes prior to maturity in the secondary market, the return on the Notes you receive will likely not reflect the full economic value of the digital return or the absolute underlying return multiplied by the downside participation rate, as applicable, even if such return you receive is positive. You can receive the full benefit of the digital return or the absolute underlying return multiplied by the downside participation rate, as applicable, only if you hold your Notes to maturity. |
¨ | If the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, your potential positive return on the Notes will be limited to the digital return — If the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, the return potential of the Notes will be limited to the digital return, regardless of the appreciation of the underlying asset. While you will benefit from the digital return if the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, due to the inclusion of the digital return, your return on the Notes may be less than it would be in a hypothetical direct investment in the underlying asset or a direct investment in the underlying equity constituents. |
¨ | If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, you will not receive the digital return and your potential positive return on the Notes will be limited by the downside participation rate, which is less than 1.0, and the downside threshold — If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, you will not receive the digital return, and the return potential of the Notes will be limited to the absolute underlying return multiplied by the downside participation rate, which is less than 1.0. If the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, you will be exposed on a leveraged basis of less than 1.0 to the absolute underlying return. Specifically, for each 1% increase in the absolute underlying return you will gain only 0.50% of your initial investment, and the percentage return on your initial investment will be effectively capped at 12.50%. If the final level is less than the downside threshold, you will benefit from neither the digital return nor the depreciation of the underlying asset, you will instead suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the underlying return and you could lose a significant portion or all of your initial investment. |
¨ | No interest payments — UBS will not pay any interest with respect to the Notes. |
¨ | Credit risk of UBS — The Notes are unsubordinated, unsecured debt obligations of UBS and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. Any payment to be made on the Notes, including any repayment of principal at maturity, depends on the ability of UBS to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, UBS’ actual and perceived creditworthiness may affect the market value of the Notes. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment. |
¨ | Greater expected volatility generally indicates an increased risk of loss at maturity — “Volatility" refers to the frequency and magnitude of changes in the level of the underlying asset. The greater the expected volatility of the underlying asset as of the trade date, the greater the expectation is as of that date that the final level of the underlying asset could be less than the downside threshold and, as a consequence, indicates an increased risk of loss. However, the underlying asset's volatility can change significantly over the term of the Notes, and a relatively lower downside threshold may not necessarily indicate that the Notes have a greater likelihood of a return equal to the absolute underlying return multiplied by the downside participation rate at maturity. You should be willing to accept the downside market risk of the underlying asset and the potential to lose a significant portion or all of your initial investment. |
¨ | Market risk — The return on the Notes, which may be negative, is directly linked to the performance of the underlying asset and indirectly linked to the performance of the underlying equity constituents, and will depend on whether, and the extent to which, the final level is equal to or less than the digital barrier and downside threshold. The level of the underlying asset can rise or fall sharply due to factors specific to the underlying equity constituents, such as stock price volatility, earnings and financial conditions, corporate, industry and regulatory developments, management changes and decisions and other events, as well as general market factors, such as general market volatility and levels, interest rates and economic and political conditions. |
¨ | Fair value considerations. |
o | The issue price you pay for the Notes will exceed their estimated initial value — The issue price you pay for the Notes will exceed their estimated initial value as of the trade date due to the inclusion in the issue price of the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance costs and projected profits. As of the close of the relevant markets on the trade date, we will determine the estimated initial value of the Notes by reference to our internal pricing models and it will be set forth in the pricing supplement. The pricing models used to determine the estimated initial value of the Notes incorporate certain variables, including the level and volatility of the underlying asset and underlying equity constituents, any expected dividends on the underlying equity constituents, prevailing interest rates, the term of the Notes and our internal funding rate. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay to issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities of a similar term. The underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance costs, projected profits and the difference in rates will reduce the economic value of the Notes to you. Due to these factors, the estimated initial value of the Notes as of the trade date will be less than the issue price you pay for the Notes. |
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o | The estimated initial value is a theoretical price; the actual price that you may be able to sell your Notes in any secondary market (if any) at any time after the trade date may differ from the estimated initial value — The value of your Notes at any time will vary based on many factors, including the factors described above and in “—Market risk” above and is impossible to predict. Furthermore, the pricing models that we use are proprietary and rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, after the trade date, if you attempt to sell the Notes in the secondary market, the actual value you would receive may differ, perhaps materially, from the estimated initial value of the Notes determined by reference to our internal pricing models. The estimated initial value of the Notes does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in any secondary market at any time. |
o | Our actual profits may be greater or less than the differential between the estimated initial value and the issue price of the Notes as of the trade date — We may determine the economic terms of the Notes, as well as hedge our obligations, at least in part, prior to pricing the Notes on the trade date. In addition, there may be ongoing costs to us to maintain and/or adjust any hedges and such hedges are often imperfect. Therefore, our actual profits (or potentially, losses) in issuing the Notes cannot be determined as of the trade date and any such differential between the estimated initial value and the issue price of the Notes as of the trade date does not reflect our actual profits. Ultimately, our actual profits will be known only at the maturity of the Notes. |
¨ | Limited or no secondary market and secondary market price considerations. |
o | There may be little or no secondary market for the Notes — The Notes will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network. UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market for the Notes and may stop making a market at any time. If you are able to sell your Notes prior to maturity, you may have to sell them at a substantial loss. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that a secondary market for the Notes will develop. The estimated initial value of the Notes does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in any secondary market at any time. |
o | The price at which UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates may offer to buy the Notes in the secondary market (if any) may be greater than UBS’ valuation of the Notes at that time, greater than any other secondary market prices provided by unaffiliated dealers (if any) and, depending on your broker, greater than the valuation provided on your customer account statements — For a limited period of time following the issuance of the Notes, UBS Securities LLC or its affiliates may offer to buy or sell such Notes at a price that exceeds (i) our valuation of the Notes at that time based on our internal pricing models, (ii) any secondary market prices provided by unaffiliated dealers (if any) and (iii) depending on your broker, the valuation provided on customer account statements. The price that UBS Securities LLC may initially offer to buy such Notes following issuance will exceed the valuations indicated by our internal pricing models due to the inclusion for a limited period of time of the aggregate value of the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance costs and theoretical projected trading profit. The portion of such amounts included in our price will decline to zero on a straight line basis over a period ending no later than the date specified under “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any).” Thereafter, if UBS Securities LLC or an affiliate makes secondary markets in the Notes, it will do so at prices that reflect our estimated value determined by reference to our internal pricing models at that time. The temporary positive differential relative to our internal pricing models arises from requests from and arrangements made by UBS Securities LLC with the selling agents of structured debt securities such as the Notes. As described above, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market for the Notes and may stop making a market at any time. The price at which UBS Securities LLC or an affiliate may make secondary markets at any time (if at all) will also reflect its then current bid-ask spread for similar sized trades of structured debt securities. UBS Securities LLC reflects this temporary positive differential on their customer statements. Investors should inquire as to the valuation provided on customer account statements provided by unaffiliated dealers. |
o | Economic and market factors affecting the terms and market price of Notes prior to maturity — Because structured notes, including the Notes, can be thought of as having a debt component and a derivative component, factors that influence the values of debt instruments and options and other derivatives will also affect the terms and features of the Notes at issuance and the market price of the Notes prior to maturity. These factors include the level of the underlying asset and the underlying equity constituents; the volatility of the underlying asset and the underlying equity constituents; any dividends paid on the underlying equity constituents; the time remaining to the maturity of the Notes; interest rates in the markets; geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, force majeure and regulatory or judicial events; the availability of comparable instruments; the creditworthiness of UBS; the then current bid-ask spread for the Notes. These and other factors are unpredictable and interrelated and may offset or magnify each other. |
o | Impact of fees and the use of internal funding rates rather than secondary market credit spreads on secondary market prices — All other things being equal, the use of the internal funding rates described above under “— Fair value considerations” as well as the inclusion in the issue price of the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance costs and any projected profits are, subject to the temporary mitigating effect of UBS Securities LLC’s and its affiliates’ market making premium, expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the Notes in any secondary market. |
4 |
¨ | Owning the Notes is not the same as owning the underlying equity constituents and the absolute underlying return feature is not the same as taking a short position directly in the underlying equity constituents — The return on your Notes may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the underlying equity constituents. For instance, if the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, you will receive the digital return regardless of how much the underlying asset has appreciated and, therefore, you will not benefit from any positive underlying return in excess of an amount that exceeds the digital return. Furthermore, you will not receive or be entitled to receive any dividend payments or other distributions paid on the underlying equity constituents during the term of the Notes, and any such dividends or distributions will not be factored into the calculation of the payment at maturity on your Notes. In addition, as an owner of the Notes, you will not have voting rights or any other rights that a holder of the underlying equity constituents may have. Additionally, the return on your Notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually took a short position directly in the underlying asset or any other exchange-traded or over-the-counter instruments based on the underlying asset or the underlying equity constituents insofar as (i) any participation in the absolute underlying return will be reduced by the downside participation rate, which is less than 1.0, and (ii) you will lose a significant percentage or all of your stated principal amount if the final level is less than the downside threshold. In addition, to maintain a short position in the underlying equity constituents, you would have to pay dividend payments (if any) to the entity that lends you the underlying equity constituents for your short sale, and you could receive certain interest payments (the short interest rebate) from the lender. |
¨ | There can be no assurance that the investment view implicit in the Notes will be successful — It is impossible to predict whether and the extent to which the level of the underlying asset will rise or fall and there can be no assurance that the final level of the underlying asset will be equal to or greater than the digital barrier or downside threshold. The final level of the underlying asset will be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors that affect the underlying equity constituents. You should be willing to accept the risks of owning equities in general and the underlying equity constituents in particular, and the risk of losing a significant portion or all of your initial investment. |
¨ | The underlying asset reflects price return, not total return — The return on your Notes is based on the performance of the underlying asset, which reflects the changes in the market prices of the underlying equity constituents. It is not, however, linked to a “total return” index or strategy, which, in addition to reflecting those price returns, would also reflect any dividends paid on the underlying equity constituents. The return on your Notes will not include such a total return feature or any dividend component. |
¨ | Changes affecting the underlying asset could have an adverse effect on the value of the Notes — The policies of the sponsor of the underlying asset as specified under “Information About the Underlying Asset” (the “index sponsor”), concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the underlying equity constituents and the manner in which the index sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those underlying equity constituents may affect the level of the underlying asset in a manner that is adverse to you. The policies of the index sponsor with respect to the calculation of the underlying asset could also affect the level of the underlying asset in a manner that is adverse to you. The index sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the underlying asset. Any such actions could have an adverse effect on the market value of, and amount payable on, the Notes. |
¨ | UBS cannot control actions by the index sponsor and the index sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests — UBS and its affiliates are not affiliated with the index sponsor and have no ability to control or predict its actions, including any errors in, or discontinuation of, public disclosure regarding methods or policies relating to the calculation of the underlying asset. The index sponsor is not involved in the Notes offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your interest as an owner of the Notes in taking any actions that might affect the market value of, and amount payable on, the Notes. |
¨ | Potential UBS impact on price — Trading or transactions by UBS or its affiliates in the underlying equity constituents, listed and/or over-the-counter options, futures or other instruments with returns linked to the performance of the underlying asset or any underlying equity constituent may adversely affect the performance and, therefore, the market value of, and amount payable on, the Notes. |
¨ | Potential conflict of interest — UBS and its affiliates may engage in business with any issuer of an underlying equity constituent (an “underlying constituent issuer”), which may present a conflict between the obligations of UBS and you, as a holder of the Notes. There are also potential conflicts of interest between you and the calculation agent, which will be an affiliate of UBS. The calculation agent can postpone the determination of the terms of the Notes on the trade date and the final level on the final valuation date, if a market disruption event occurs and is continuing on that day. As UBS determines the economic terms of the Notes, including the digital return, digital barrier, downside participation rate and downside threshold and such terms include the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance costs and projected profits, the Notes represent a package of economic terms. There are other potential conflicts of interest insofar as an investor could potentially get better economic terms if that investor entered into exchange-traded and/or OTC derivatives or other instruments with third parties, assuming that such instruments were available and the investor had the ability to assemble and enter into such instruments. |
Additionally, UBS and its affiliates act in various capacities with respect to the Notes, including as principal, agent or dealer in connection with the sale of the Notes. Such affiliates and any other third-party dealers will derive compensation from the distribution of the Notes and such compensation may serve as an incentive to sell these Notes instead of other investments. Furthermore, given that UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates temporarily maintain a market making premium, it may have the effect of discouraging UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates from recommending sale of your Notes in the secondary market. |
¨ | Potentially inconsistent research, opinions or recommendations by UBS — UBS and its affiliates publish research from time to time on financial markets and other matters that may influence the value of the Notes, or express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes. Any research, opinions or recommendations expressed by UBS or its affiliates may not be consistent with each other and may be modified from time to time without notice. Investors should make their own independent investigation of the merits of investing in the Notes and the underlying asset to which the Notes are linked. |
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¨ | The Notes are not bank deposits — An investment in the Notes carries risks which are very different from the risk profile of a bank deposit placed with UBS or its affiliates. The Notes have different yield and/or return, liquidity and risk profiles and would not benefit from any protection provided to deposits. |
¨ | If UBS experiences financial difficulties, FINMA has the power to open restructuring or liquidation proceedings in respect of, and/or impose protective measures in relation to, UBS, which proceedings or measures may have a material adverse effect on the terms and market value of the Notes and/or the ability of UBS to make payments thereunder — The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) has broad statutory powers to take measures and actions in relation to UBS if (i) it concludes that there is justified concern that UBS is over-indebted or has serious liquidity problems or (ii) UBS fails to fulfill the applicable capital adequacy requirements (whether on a standalone or consolidated basis) after expiry of a deadline set by FINMA. If one of these pre-requisites is met, FINMA is authorized to open restructuring proceedings or liquidation (bankruptcy) proceedings in respect of, and/or impose protective measures in relation to, UBS. The Swiss Banking Act grants significant discretion to FINMA in connection with the aforementioned proceedings and measures. In particular, a broad variety of protective measures may be imposed by FINMA, including a bank moratorium or a maturity postponement, which measures may be ordered by FINMA either on a stand-alone basis or in connection with restructuring or liquidation proceedings. The resolution regime of the Swiss Banking Act is further detailed in the FINMA Banking Insolvency Ordinance (“BIO-FINMA”). In a restructuring proceeding, FINMA, as resolution authority, is competent to approve the resolution plan. The resolution plan may, among other things, provide for (a) the transfer of all or a portion of UBS’ assets, debts, other liabilities and contracts (which may or may not include the contractual relationship between UBS and the holders of Notes) to another entity, (b) a stay (for a maximum of two business days) on the termination of contracts to which UBS is a party, and/or the exercise of (w) rights to terminate, (x) netting rights, (y) rights to enforce or dispose of collateral or (z) rights to transfer claims, liabilities or collateral under contracts to which UBS is a party, (c) the conversion of UBS’ debt and/or other obligations, including its obligations under the Notes, into equity (a “debt-to-equity” swap), and/or (d) the partial or full write-off of obligations owed by UBS (a “write-off”), including its obligations under the Notes. The BIO-FINMA provides that a debt-to-equity swap and/or a write-off of debt and other obligations (including the Notes) may only take place after (i) all debt instruments issued by UBS qualifying as additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital have been converted into equity or written-off, as applicable, and (ii) the existing equity of UBS has been fully cancelled. While the BIO-FINMA does not expressly address the order in which a write-off of debt instruments other than debt instruments qualifying as additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital should occur, it states that debt-to-equity swaps should occur in the following order: first, all subordinated claims not qualifying as regulatory capital; second, all other claims not excluded by law from a debt-to-equity swap (other than deposits); and third, deposits (in excess of the amount privileged by law). However, given the broad discretion granted to FINMA as the resolution authority, any restructuring plan in respect of UBS could provide that the claims under or in connection with the Notes will be partially or fully converted into equity or written-off, while preserving other obligations of UBS that rank pari passu with, or even junior to, UBS’ obligations under the Notes. Consequently, holders of Notes may lose all of some of their investment in the Notes. In the case of restructuring proceedings with respect to a systemically important Swiss bank (such as UBS), the creditors whose claims are affected by the restructuring plan will not have a right to vote on, reject, or seek the suspension of the restructuring plan. In addition, if a restructuring plan has been approved by FINMA, the rights of a creditor to seek judicial review of the restructuring plan (e.g., on the grounds that the plan would unduly prejudice the rights of holders of Notes or otherwise be in violation of the Swiss Banking Act) are very limited. In particular, a court may not suspend the implementation of the restructuring plan. Furthermore, even if a creditor successfully challenges the restructuring plan, the court can only require the relevant creditor to be compensated ex post and there is currently no guidance as to on what basis such compensation would be calculated or how it would be funded. |
¨ | Uncertain tax treatment — Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the Notes are uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor about your tax situation. See “What are the Tax Consequences of the Notes?” herein and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Prepaid Derivatives or Prepaid Forwards”, in the accompanying product supplement. |
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Hypothetical Examples and Return Table of the Notes at Maturity
The below examples and table are based on hypothetical terms. The actual terms will be set on the trade date and will be indicated on the cover of the applicable pricing supplement.
The examples and table below illustrate the Payment at Maturity for a $1,000 Note on a hypothetical offering of the Notes, with the following assumptions (amounts may have been rounded for ease of analysis):
Term: | Approximately 1 year |
Initial Level: | 3,000 |
Digital Return: | 6.50% |
Downside Participation Rate: | 0.50 |
Digital Barrier: | 3,000 (100% of the Initial Level) |
Downside Threshold: | 2,250 (75% of the Initial Level) |
Range of Underlying Return: | -100% to 40% |
Example 1: The level of the Underlying Asset increases from the Initial Level of 3,000 to the Final Level of 3,150 and the Underlying Return is 5%.
Because the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, the payment at maturity per Note will be calculated as follows:
$1,000 × (1 + 6.50%)
= $1,000 x 1.065
= $1,065.00 per Note (a 6.50% total return).
Example 2: The level of the Underlying Asset increases from the Initial Level of 3,000 to the Final Level of 4,200 and the Underlying Return is 40%.
Because the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, the payment at maturity per Note will be calculated as follows:
$1,000 × (1 + 6.50%)
= $1,000 x 1.065
= $1,065.00 per Note (a 6.50% total return).
Example 3: The level of the Underlying Asset stays flat from the Initial Level of 3,000 to the Final Level of 3,000 and the Underlying Return is 0%.
Because the final level is equal to or greater than the digital barrier, the payment at maturity per Note will be calculated as follows:
$1,000 × (1 + 6.50%)
= $1,000 x 1.065
= $1,065.00 per Note (a 6.50% total return).
Example 4: The level of the Underlying Asset decreases from the Initial Level of 3,000 to the Final Level of 2,400 and the Underlying Return is -20%.
Because the final level is less than the digital barrier and equal to or greater than the downside threshold, the payment at maturity per Note will be calculated as follows:
$1,000 × [1 + (Absolute Underlying Return x Downside
Participation Rate)]
= $1,000 x [1 + (|-20.00%| x 0.50)]
= $1,000 x 1.10
= $1,100.00 per Note (a 10.00% total return).
Example 5: The level of the Underlying Asset decreases from the Initial Level of 3,000 to the Final Level of 1,200 and the Underlying Return is -60%.
Because the final level is less than the downside threshold, the payment at maturity per Note will be less than the principal amount, calculated as follows:
$1,000 × (1 + -60.00%)
= $1,000 × 0.40
= $400.00 per Note (a 60.00% loss).
In this scenario, you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment in an amount that is equal to the underlying return.
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Underlying Asset | Payment and Return at Maturity | ||
Final Level | Underlying Return(1) | Payment at Maturity |
Note Total Return at Maturity |
4,200.00 | 40.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,900.00 | 30.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,600.00 | 20.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,450.00 | 15.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,300.00 | 10.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,150.00 | 5.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,075.00 | 2.50% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
3,000.00 | 0.00% | $1,065.00 | 6.50% |
2,850.00 | -5.00% | $1,025.00 | 2.50% |
2,700.00 | -10.00% | $1,050.00 | 5.00% |
2,400.00 | -20.00% | $1,100.00 | 10.00% |
2,250.00 | -25.00% | $1,125.00 | 12.50% |
2,220.00 | -26.00% | $740.00 | -26.00% |
2,100.00 | -30.00% | $700.00 | -30.00% |
1,800.00 | -40.00% | $600.00 | -40.00% |
1,500.00 | -50.00% | $500.00 | -50.00% |
1,200.00 | -60.00% | $400.00 | -60.00% |
900.00 | -70.00% | $300.00 | -70.00% |
600.00 | -80.00% | $200.00 | -80.00% |
300.00 | -90.00% | $100.00 | -90.00% |
0.00 | -100.00% | $0.00 | -100.00% |
(1) | The underlying return excludes any cash dividend payments on the underlying equity constituents. |
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Information About the Underlying Asset
All disclosures contained in this document regarding the underlying asset are derived from publicly available information. UBS has not conducted any independent review or due diligence of any publicly available information with respect to the underlying asset. You should make your own investigation into the underlying asset.
Included on the following pages is a brief description of the underlying asset. This information has been obtained from publicly available sources. Set forth below is a table that provides the quarterly closing high and quarterly closing low for the underlying asset. We obtained the closing level information set forth below from Bloomberg Professional® service (“Bloomberg”) without independent verification. You should not take the historical prices of the underlying asset as an indication of future performance.
S&P 500® Index
We have derived all information regarding the S&P 500® Index (“SPX”) contained in this document, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “index sponsor” or “S&P Dow Jones”).
SPX is published by S&P Dow Jones, but S&P Dow Jones has no obligation to continue to publish SPX, and may discontinue publication of SPX at any time. SPX is determined, comprised and calculated by S&P Dow Jones without regard to the Notes.
As discussed more fully in the index supplement under the heading “Underlying Indices and Underlying Index Publishers — S&P 500® Index”, SPX is intended to provide an indication of the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the value of SPX is based on the relative value of the aggregate market value of the common stock of 500 companies as of a particular time compared to the aggregate average market value of the common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941 through 1943. Eleven main groups of companies comprise SPX, with the percentage weight of each group in the index as a whole as of January 31, 2019 as follows: Information Technology (19.9%), Health Care (15.1%), Financials (13.5%), Communication Services (10.3%), Consumer Discretionary (10.1%), Industrials (9.5%), Consumer Staples (7.2%), Energy (5.5%), Utilities (3.2%), Real Estate (3.0%) and Materials (2.7%). As of September 28, 2018, the underlier sponsor broadened the current Telecommunication Services Sector and renamed it Communication Services. The renamed Sector includes the existing telecommunication companies, as well as companies selected from the Consumer Discretionary Sector previously classified under the Media Industry Group and the Internet & Direct Marketing Retail Sub-Industry, along with select companies currently classified in the Information Technology Sector. Effective March 10, 2017, company additions to the underlying asset should have an unadjusted company market capitalization of $6.1 billion or more (an increase from the previous requirement of an unadjusted company market capitalization of $5.3 billion or more).
Information from outside sources is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered part of, this document or any document incorporated herein by reference. UBS has not conducted any independent review or due diligence of any publicly available information with respect to SPX.
Historical Information
The following table sets forth the quarterly closing high and quarterly closing low levels for SPX, based on the daily closing levels as reported by Bloomberg, without independent verification. UBS has not conducted any independent review or due diligence of publicly available information obtained from Bloomberg. The closing level of SPX on February 6, 2019 was 2,731.61 (the “hypothetical initial level”). The actual initial level will be the closing level of SPX on the trade date. Past performance of SPX is not indicative of the future performance of SPX.
Quarter Begin | Quarter End | Quarterly Closing High | Quarterly Closing Low | Quarterly Close |
1/1/2015 | 3/31/2015 | 2,117.39 | 1,992.67 | 2,067.89 |
4/1/2015 | 6/30/2015 | 2,130.82 | 2,057.64 | 2,063.11 |
7/1/2015 | 9/30/2015 | 2,128.28 | 1,867.61 | 1,920.03 |
10/1/2015 | 12/31/2015 | 2,109.79 | 1,923.82 | 2,043.94 |
1/1/2016 | 3/31/2016 | 2,063.95 | 1,829.08 | 2,059.74 |
4/1/2016 | 6/30/2016 | 2,119.12 | 2,000.54 | 2,098.86 |
7/1/2016 | 9/30/2016 | 2,190.15 | 2,088.55 | 2,168.27 |
10/1/2016 | 12/31/2016 | 2,271.72 | 2,085.18 | 2,238.83 |
1/1/2017 | 3/31/2017 | 2,395.96 | 2,257.83 | 2,362.72 |
4/1/2017 | 6/30/2017 | 2,453.46 | 2,328.95 | 2,423.41 |
7/1/2017 | 9/30/2017 | 2,519.36 | 2,409.75 | 2,519.36 |
10/1/2017 | 12/31/2017 | 2,690.16 | 2,529.12 | 2,673.61 |
1/1/2018 | 3/31/2018 | 2,872.87 | 2,581.00 | 2,640.87 |
4/1/2018 | 6/30/2018 | 2,786.85 | 2,581.88 | 2,718.37 |
7/1/2018 | 9/30/2018 | 2,930.75 | 2,713.22 | 2,913.98 |
10/1/2018 | 12/31/2018 | 2,925.51 | 2,351.10 | 2,506.85 |
1/1/2019 | 2/6/2019* | 2,737.70 | 2,447.89 | 2,731.61 |
* | The above table only includes data through this date. Accordingly, the “Quarterly Closing High,” “Quarterly Closing Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for this calendar quarter. |
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The graph below illustrates the performance of SPX from January 1, 2009 through February 6, 2019, based on information from Bloomberg. The dotted blue line represents the hypothetical digital barrier of 2,731.61 and the dotted green line represents the hypothetical downside threshold of 2,048.71, which are equal to 100% and 75%, respectively, of the hypothetical initial level. The actual digital barrier and downside threshold will be determined on the trade date. Past performance of the underlying asset is not indicative of the future performance of the underlying asset.
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What Are the Tax Consequences of the Notes?
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Notes are uncertain. 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 the Notes. Some of these tax consequences are summarized below, but we urge you to read the more detailed discussion in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Prepaid Derivatives or Prepaid Forwards”, in the accompanying product supplement and to discuss the tax consequences of your particular situation with your tax advisor. This discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury Department (the “Treasury”) regulations, rulings and decisions, in each case, as available and in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Tax consequences under state, local and non-U.S. laws are not addressed herein. No ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been sought as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Notes, and the following discussion is not binding on the IRS.
U.S. Tax Treatment. Pursuant to the terms of the Notes, UBS and you agree, in the absence of a statutory or regulatory change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your Notes as prepaid derivative contracts with respect to the underlying asset. If your Notes are so treated, you should generally recognize gain or loss upon the taxable disposition of your Notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount you paid for your Notes. Such gain or loss should generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Notes for more than one year (otherwise such gain or loss would be short-term capital gain or loss if held for one year or less). The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Based on certain factual representations received from us, our counsel, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, is of the opinion that it would be reasonable to treat your Notes in the manner described above. However, because there is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of the Notes, it is possible that your Notes could alternatively be treated for tax purposes as a single contingent payment debt instrument, or pursuant to some other characterization, such that the timing and character of your income from the Notes could differ materially and adversely from the treatment described above, as described further under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Prepaid Derivatives or Prepaid Forwards”, in the accompanying product supplement. There may also be a risk that the IRS could assert that the Notes should not give rise to long-term capital gain or loss because the Notes offer, at least in part, short exposure to the underlying asset.
Except to the extent otherwise required by law, UBS intends to treat your Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described above and under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Prepaid Derivatives or Prepaid Forwards”, in the accompanying product supplement, unless and until such time as the Treasury and the IRS determine that some other treatment is more appropriate.
Notice 2008-2. In 2007, the IRS released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the Notes. According to Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury are actively considering whether the holder of an instrument similar to the Notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, and they are seeking taxpayer comments on the subject. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the Notes will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The IRS and the Treasury are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether non-U.S. holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Code should be applied to such instruments. Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the significance, and the potential impact, of the above considerations.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. holders that are individuals, estates, or certain trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which may include any income or gain realized with respect to the Notes, to the extent of their net investment income that when added to their other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return or the dollar amount at which the highest tax bracket begins for an estate or trust. The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the income tax. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of the 3.8% Medicare tax.
Specified Foreign Financial Assets. Certain U.S. holders that own “specified foreign financial assets” in excess of an applicable threshold may be subject to reporting obligations with respect to such assets with their tax returns, especially if such assets are held outside the custody of a U.S. financial institution. You are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the application of this legislation to your ownership of the Notes.
Non-U.S. Holders. Subject to Section 871(m) of the Code and “FATCA”, discussed below, if you are a non-U.S. holder you should generally not be subject to U.S. withholding tax with respect to payments on your Notes or to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your Notes if you comply with certain certification and identification requirements as to your non-U.S. status (by providing us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) with a fully completed and duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8). Subject to Section 897 of the Code and Section 871(m) of the Code, discussed below, gain from the taxable disposition of a Note generally should not be subject to U.S. tax unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S., (ii) the non-U.S. holder is a non-resident alien individual and is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of such taxable disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied or (iii) the non-U.S. holder has certain other present or former connections with the U.S.
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Section 897. We will not attempt to ascertain whether any underlying constituent issuer would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the Notes should be treated as “United States real property interests” (“USRPI”) as defined in Section 897 of the Code. If any underlying constituent issuer and the Notes were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply, including subjecting any gain to a non-U.S. holder in respect of a Note upon a taxable disposition of the Note to the U.S. federal income tax on a net basis, and the proceeds from such a taxable disposition to a 15% withholding tax. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential treatment of an underlying constituent issuer as a USRPHC and the Notes as USRPI.
Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax (which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing U.S. equity securities. The withholding tax can apply even if the instrument does not provide for payments that reference dividends. Treasury regulations provide that the withholding tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one (“delta-one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016 and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on all other specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2018. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the Treasury and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the Treasury regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid will not apply to specified equity-linked instruments that are not delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and are issued before January 1, 2021.
Based on our determination that the Notes are not “delta-one” with respect to the underlying asset or any U.S. underlying equity constituent, our counsel is of the opinion that the Notes should not be delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and thus should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Furthermore, the application of Section 871(m) of the Code will depend on our determinations made upon issuance of the Notes. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.
Nevertheless, after issuance, it is possible that your Notes could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying asset, the underlying equity constituents or your Notes, and following such occurrence your Notes could be treated as delta-one specified equity-linked instruments that are subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. It is also possible that withholding tax or other tax under Section 871(m) of the Code could apply to the Notes under these rules if you enter, or have entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the underlying asset, the underlying equity constituents or the Notes. If you enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the underlying asset, the underlying equity constituents or the Notes, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to your Notes in the context of your other transactions.
Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the Notes, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the Notes.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) was enacted on March 18, 2010, and imposes a 30% U.S. withholding tax on “withholdable payments” (i.e., certain U.S. -source payments, including interest (and original issue discount), dividends, other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S. -source interest or dividends) and “passthru payments” (i.e., certain payments attributable to withholdable payments) made to certain foreign financial institutions (and certain of their affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees (or is required), among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account of the institution (or the relevant affiliate) and to annually report certain information about such account. FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or do not certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Pursuant to final and temporary Treasury regulations and other IRS guidance, the withholding and reporting requirements under FATCA will generally apply to certain “withholdable payments”, will not apply to gross proceeds on a sale or disposition, and will apply to certain foreign passthru payments only to the extent that such payments are made after the date that is two years after final regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payment” are published. If withholding is required, we (or the applicable paying agent) will not be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Investors should consult their tax advisors about the application of FATCA, in particular if they may be classified as financial institutions (or if they hold their Notes through a foreign entity) under the FATCA rules.
Proposed Legislation. In 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if it had been enacted, would have required holders of Notes purchased after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of the Notes despite the fact that there will be no interest payments over the term of the Notes.
Furthermore, in 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments. If it had been enacted, the effect of this legislation generally would have been to require instruments such as the Notes to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.
It is not possible to predict whether any similar or identical bills will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your Notes. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the possible changes in law and their possible impact on the tax treatment of your Notes.
Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situation, as well as any tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of the Notes arising under the laws of any state, local, non-U.S. or other taxing jurisdiction.
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Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any)
We will agree to sell to UBS Securities LLC, and UBS Securities LLC will agree to purchase, all of the Notes at the issue price to the public less an underwriting discount up to the underwriting discount indicated on the cover hereof. The total underwriting discount and proceeds to UBS AG will be disclosed in the final pricing supplement and will reflect the total amount of the underwriting discount. UBS Securities LLC intends to resell the Notes one or more third-party dealers at a discount from the issue price to public equal to the full underwriting discount received. Such third-party dealers will agree to sell the Notes to one or more other dealers or will offer the Notes directly to investors. The issue price for the Notes will generally be $1,000.00, provided that certain unaffiliated registered investment advisers will purchase Notes from any such third-party dealer at a purchase price of at least $997.50 per principal amount of the Notes, and any such third-party dealer, with respect to sales made to such unaffiliated registered investment advisers, may forgo some or all of the underwriting discount with respect to such sales.
Conflicts of Interest — UBS Securities LLC is an affiliate of UBS and, as such, has a “conflict of interest” in this offering within the meaning of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) Rule 5121. In addition, UBS will receive the net proceeds (excluding the underwriting discount) from the initial public offering of the Notes, thus creating an additional conflict of interest within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. Consequently, the offering is being conducted in compliance with the provisions of FINRA Rule 5121. UBS Securities LLC is not permitted to sell Notes in this offering to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of the account holder.
UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates may offer to buy or sell the Notes in the secondary market (if any) at prices greater than UBS’ internal valuation — The value of the Notes at any time will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted. However, the price (not including UBS Securities LLC’s or any affiliate’s customary bid-ask spreads) at which UBS Securities LLC or any affiliate would offer to buy or sell the Notes immediately after the trade date in the secondary market is expected to exceed the estimated initial value of the Notes as determined by reference to our internal pricing models. The amount of the excess will decline to zero on a straight line basis over a period ending no later than 6 months after the trade date, provided that UBS Securities LLC may shorten the period based on various factors, including the magnitude of purchases and other negotiated provisions with selling agents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market for the Notes and may stop making a market at any time. For more information about secondary market offers and the estimated initial value of the Notes, see “Key Risks — Fair value considerations” and “— Limited or no secondary market and secondary market price considerations” herein.
Prohibition of Sales to EEA Retail Investors — The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014, as amended (the “PRIIPs Regulation”), for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.
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You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this preliminary pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the index supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these Notes in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this preliminary pricing supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preliminary Pricing Supplement
Investment Description | i |
Features | i |
Key Dates | i |
Note Offering | i |
Additional Information about UBS and the Notes | ii |
Investor Suitability | 1 |
Preliminary Terms | 2 |
Investment Timeline | 2 |
Key Risks | 3 |
Hypothetical Examples and Return Table of the Notes at Maturity | 7 |
Information About the Underlying Asset | 9 |
What are the Tax Consequences of the Notes? | 11 |
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any) |
13 |
Product Supplement
Product Supplement Summary | PS-1 |
Specific Terms of Each Security Will Be Described in the Applicable Supplements | PS-1 |
The Securities are Part of a Series | PS-1 |
Denomination | PS-2 |
Coupons | PS-2 |
Early Redemption | PS-3 |
Payment at Maturity for the Securities | PS-3 |
Defined Terms Relating to Payment on the Securities | PS-4 |
Valuation Dates | PS-5 |
Valuation Periods | PS-6 |
Payment Dates | PS-6 |
Closing Level | PS-7 |
Intraday Level | PS-7 |
What are the Tax Consequences of the Securities? | PS-8 |
Risk Factors | PS-9 |
General Terms of the Securities | PS-29 |
Use of Proceeds and Hedging | PS-52 |
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences | PS-53 |
Certain ERISA Considerations | PS-75 |
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) | PS-76 |
Index Supplement
Index Supplement Summary | IS-1 |
Underlying Indices And Underlying Index Publishers | IS-2 |
Dow Jones Industrial AverageTM | IS-2 |
NASDAQ-100 Index® | IS-4 |
Russell 2000® Index | IS-10 |
S&P 500® Index | IS-15 |
Commodity Indices | IS-20 |
Bloomberg Commodity IndexSM | IS-20 |
UBS Bloomberg Constant Maturity Commodity Index Excess Return | IS-27 |
Non-U.S. Indices | IS-32 |
EURO STOXX 50® Index | IS-32 |
FTSETM 100 Index | IS-38 |
Hang Seng China Enterprises Index | IS-41 |
MSCI Indexes | IS-45 |
MSCI-EAFE® Index | IS-45 |
MSCI® Emerging Markets IndexSM | IS-45 |
MSCI® Europe Index | IS-45 |
Prospectus
Introduction | 1 |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 3 |
Incorporation of Information About UBS AG | 4 |
Where You Can Find More Information | 5 |
Presentation of Financial Information | 6 |
Limitations on Enforcement of U.S. Laws Against UBS, Its Management and Others | 6 |
UBS | 7 |
Swiss Regulatory Powers | 10 |
Use of Proceeds | 11 |
Description of Debt Securities We May Offer | 12 |
Description of Warrants We May Offer | 32 |
Legal Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance | 47 |
Considerations Relating to Indexed Securities | 52 |
Considerations Relating to Securities Denominated or Payable in or Linked to a Non-U.S. Dollar Currency | 55 |
U.S. Tax Considerations | 58 |
Tax Considerations Under the Laws of Switzerland | 69 |
Benefit Plan Investor Considerations | 71 |
Plan of Distribution | 73 |
Conflicts of Interest | 75 |
Validity of the Securities | 76 |
Experts | 76 |
$•
UBS AG Trigger Contingent Absolute Return Digital Notes due on or about February 18, 2020
Preliminary Pricing Supplement dated February 7, 2019
(To Product Supplement dated October 31, 2018,
Index Supplement dated October 31, 2018
and Prospectus dated October 31, 2018)
UBS Investment Bank
UBS Securities LLC