The information in this preliminary pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these Securities 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 Securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these Securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
| Subject to Completion |
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UBS AG $• Capped Buffer GEARS
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due on or about April 20, 2026
Investment Description
UBS AG Capped Buffer GEARS (the “Securities”) are unsubordinated, unsecured debt obligations issued by UBS AG (“UBS” or the “issuer”) linked to the Russell 2000® 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 downside threshold. If the underlying return is positive, at maturity UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security equal to the principal amount plus a percentage return equal to the lesser of (a) the underlying return multiplied by the upside gearing and (b) the maximum gain. If the underlying return is zero or negative and the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, at maturity UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security equal to the principal amount. If, however, the underlying return is negative and the final level is less than the downside threshold, at maturity UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security that is less than the principal amount, resulting in a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment. Investing in the Securities involves significant risks. The Securities do not pay interest and your potential return on the Securities is limited to the maximum gain. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment. The contingent repayment of principal applies only if you hold the Securities to maturity. Any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amount owed to you under the Securities and you could lose all of your initial investment.
Features
❑ | Enhanced Exposure to Positive Underlying Return up to the Maximum Gain — At maturity, the Securities provide exposure to any positive underlying return multiplied by the upside gearing, up to the maximum gain. |
❑ | Contingent Repayment of Principal Amount at Maturity with Buffered Downside Market Exposure — If the underlying return is zero or negative and the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, at maturity UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security equal to the principal amount. If, however, the underlying return is negative and the final level is less than the downside threshold, at maturity UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security that is less than the principal amount, resulting in a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment. The contingent repayment of principal applies only if you hold the Securities to maturity. Any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. |
Key Dates*
Trade Date** | January 15, 2025 | ||
Settlement Date** | January 21, 2025 | ||
Final Valuation Date | April 15, 2026 | ||
Maturity Date | April 20, 2026 | ||
* | Expected. See page 2 for additional details. | ||
** | We expect to deliver the Securities against payment on the third business day following the trade date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day (T+1), unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Securities in the secondary market on any date prior to one business day before delivery of the Securities will be required, by virtue of the fact that each Security 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 Securities are significantly riskier than conventional debt instruments. The issuer is not necessarily obligated to repay the principal amount of the Securities at maturity, and the Securities may have downside market risk similar to that of the underlying asset, subject to the buffer. This market risk is in addition to the credit risk inherent in purchasing a debt obligation of UBS. You should not purchase the Securities if you do not understand or are not comfortable with the significant risks involved in investing in the Securities.
You should carefully consider the risks described under “Key Risks” beginning on page 4 and under “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-9 of the accompanying product supplement. Events relating to any of those risks, or other risks and uncertainties, could adversely affect the market value of, and the return on, your Securities. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment in the Securities. The Securities will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network.
Security Offering
The return on the Securities is subject to, and will not exceed, the “maximum gain” or the corresponding “maximum payment at maturity per Security”. The final terms of the Securities will be set on the trade date.
Underlying Asset | Bloomberg Ticker | Upside Gearing | Maximum Gain | Maximum Payment at Maturity per Security | Initial | Downside Threshold | Buffer | CUSIP | ISIN |
Russell 2000® Index | RTY | 1.50 | 19.20% | $1,192.00 | • | 90.00% of the Initial Level | 10.00% | 90307Q3V3 | US90307Q3V31 |
The estimated initial value of the Securities as of the trade date is expected to be between $958.20 and $988.20. The range of the estimated initial value of the Securities 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 Securities, see “Key Risks — Estimated Value Considerations” and “— Risks Relating to Liquidity and Secondary Market Price Considerations” beginning on page 5 herein.
See “Additional Information About UBS and the Securities” on page ii. The Securities will have the terms set forth in the accompanying product supplement relating to the Securities, dated May 27, 2022, the accompanying prospectus dated May 27, 2022 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 Securities are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
Offering of Securities | Issue Price to Public(1) | Underwriting Discount(1)(2) | Proceeds to UBS AG(2) | ||||||
| Total | Per Security | Total | Per Security | Total | Per Security | |||
Securities linked to the Russell 2000® Index | $• | $1,000.00 | $• | $6.50 | $• | $993.50 | |||
(1) Notwithstanding the underwriting discount received by one or more third-party dealers from UBS Securities LLC described below, certain registered investment advisers or fee-based advisory accounts unaffiliated from UBS may purchase Securities from a third-party dealer at a purchase price of at least $993.50 per Security, and such third-party dealer, with respect to such sales, may forgo some or all of the underwriting discount.
(2) Our affiliate, UBS Securities LLC, will receive an underwriting discount of $6.50 per Security sold in this offering. UBS Securities LLC intends to re-allow the full amount of this discount to one or more third-party dealers. Certain of such third-party dealers may resell the Securities to other securities dealers at the issue price to the public less an underwriting discount of up to the underwriting discount received.
UBS Securities LLC | UBS Investment Bank |
Additional Information About UBS and the Securities
UBS has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by a product supplement and an index supplement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), for the Securities to which this document relates. You should read these documents and any other documents relating to the Securities that UBS has filed with the SEC for more complete information about UBS and the Securities. You may obtain these documents without cost from 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 May 27, 2022: ♦Index Supplement dated May 27, 2022: ♦Prospectus dated May 27, 2022: |
References to “UBS”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer only to UBS AG and not to its consolidated subsidiaries and references to the “Capped Buffer GEARS“ or the “Securities” refer to the Securities that are offered hereby. Also, references to the “accompanying product supplement” or “Market-Linked Securities product supplement” mean the UBS product supplement, dated May 27, 2022, references to the “index supplement” mean the UBS index supplement, dated May 27, 2022 and references to the “accompanying prospectus” mean the UBS prospectus, titled “Debt Securities and Warrants”, dated May 27, 2022. |
This document, together with the documents listed above, contains the terms of the Securities 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” in the accompanying product supplement, as the Securities involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors concerning an investment in the Securities. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of the Securities described in the accompanying prospectus, the accompanying product supplement, the index 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 Securities prior to their issuance. In the event of any changes to the terms of the Securities, 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 Securities may be suitable for you if:
♦You fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Securities, including the risk of loss of some or almost all of your initial investment.
♦You can tolerate a loss of some or almost all of your initial investment and are willing to make an investment that may have downside market risk similar to that of a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset or the stocks comprising the underlying asset (the “underlying constituents”), subject to the buffer.
♦You believe that the level of the underlying asset will appreciate over the term of the Securities and that the percentage of appreciation, when multiplied by the upside gearing, is unlikely to exceed the maximum gain specified on the cover hereof.
♦You understand and accept that your potential return is limited to the maximum gain and you are willing to invest in the Securities based on the maximum gain specified on the cover hereof.
♦You are willing to invest in the Securities based on the upside gearing specified on the cover hereof.
♦You are willing to invest in the Securities based on the downside threshold (and corresponding buffer) specified on the cover hereof.
♦You can tolerate fluctuations in the price of the Securities 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 constituents.
♦You are willing to hold the Securities to maturity and accept that there may be little or no secondary market for the Securities.
♦You understand and are willing to accept the risks associated with the underlying asset.
♦You are willing to assume the credit risk of UBS for all payments under the Securities, 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 Securities 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 Securities, the price (not including their customary bid-ask spreads) will temporarily exceed the internal pricing model price.
The Securities may not be suitable for you if:
♦You do not fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Securities, including the risk of loss of some or almost all of your initial investment.
♦You cannot tolerate a loss of some or almost all of your initial investment or are not willing to make an investment that may have downside market risk similar to that of a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset or the underlying constituents, subject to the buffer.
♦You believe that the level of the underlying asset will decline during the term of the Securities and that the final level is likely to be less than the downside threshold, or you believe that the level of the underlying asset will appreciate over the term of the Securities and the percentage of appreciation, when multiplied by the upside gearing, is likely to exceed the maximum gain indicated on the cover hereof.
♦You seek an investment that has unlimited return potential without a cap on appreciation, or you are unwilling to invest in the Securities based on the maximum gain specified on the cover hereof.
♦You are unwilling to invest in the Securities based on the upside gearing specified on the cover hereof.
♦You are unwilling to invest in the Securities based on the downside threshold (and corresponding buffer) specified on the cover hereof.
♦You cannot tolerate fluctuations in the price of the Securities prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the underlying asset.
♦You seek current income from your investment or prefer to receive any dividends paid on the underlying constituents.
♦You are unable or unwilling to hold the Securities to maturity or you seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.
♦You do not understand or are unwilling to accept the risks associated with the underlying asset.
♦You are not willing to assume the credit risk of UBS for all payments under the Securities, including any repayment of principal.
The suitability considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the Securities are a suitable investment for you will depend on your individual circumstances. You are urged to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors and carefully consider the suitability of an investment in the Securities 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 carefully the “Key Risks” section herein for risks related to an investment in the Securities.
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Preliminary Terms
Issuer | UBS AG London Branch |
Principal Amount | $1,000 per Security |
Term | Approximately 15 months. 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 Securities remains the same. |
Underlying | The Russell 2000® Index |
Maximum Gain | 19.20% |
Maximum Payment at Maturity per Security | $1,192.00 |
Upside Gearing | 1.50 |
Buffer | 10.00% |
Payment | If the underlying return is positive, UBS will pay you a cash payment equal to: $1,000 × (1 + the lesser of (a) Underlying Return × Upside Gearing and (b) Maximum Gain) In this scenario, your potential return on the Securities is limited to the maximum gain and your payment at maturity will in no event exceed the maximum payment at maturity per Security. If the underlying return is zero or negative and the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment equal to: $1,000 If the underlying return is negative and the final level is less than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment that is less than the principal amount, equal to: $1,000 × [1 + (Underlying Return + Buffer)] In this scenario, you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment. |
Underlying Return | The quotient, expressed as a percentage, of the following formula: Final Level – Initial Level |
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. |
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 specified 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, Adjustments to, or Benchmark Event or Change in Law Affecting, an Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation” in the accompanying product supplement.
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Investment Timeline
Trade Date |
| The initial level is observed and the final terms of the Securities are set. |
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Maturity Date |
| The final level is observed on the final valuation date and the underlying return is calculated. If the underlying return is positive, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security equal to: $1,000 × (1 + the lesser of (a) Underlying Return × Upside Gearing and (b) Maximum Gain) In this scenario, your potential return on the Securities is limited to the maximum gain and your payment at maturity will in no event exceed the maximum payment at maturity per Security. If the underlying return is zero or negative and the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security equal to: $1,000 If the underlying return is negative and the final level is less than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Security that is less than the principal amount, equal to: $1,000 × [1 + (Underlying Return + Buffer)] In this scenario, you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment. |
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Investing in the Securities involves significant risks. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment. Specifically, if the final level is less than the downside threshold, you will lose a percentage of your principal amount equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment.
Any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the Securities and you could lose all of your initial investment.
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Key Risks
An investment in the Securities involves significant risks. Investing in the Securities is not equivalent to a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset. Some of the key risks that apply to the Securities are summarized below, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the Securities in the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying product supplement. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors concerning an investment in the Securities.
Risks Relating to Return Characteristics
♦Risk of loss at maturity — The Securities differ from ordinary debt securities in that UBS will not necessarily repay the principal amount of the Securities. If the underlying return is negative and the final level is less than the downside threshold, you will lose a percentage of your principal amount equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment.
♦The contingent repayment of principal applies only if you hold your Securities to maturity — You should be willing to hold your Securities to maturity. The stated payout by the issuer is available only if you hold your Securities to maturity. If you are able to sell your Securities prior to maturity in the secondary market, you may have to sell them at a loss relative to your initial investment even if the level of the underlying asset at such time is equal to or greater than the downside threshold.
♦The upside gearing applies only at maturity — You should be willing to hold your Securities to maturity. If you are able to sell your Securities prior to maturity in the secondary market, the price you receive will likely not reflect the full economic value of the upside gearing, subject to the maximum gain, and the percentage return you realize may be less than the then-current underlying return multiplied by the upside gearing, even if such return is positive and does not exceed the maximum gain. You can receive the full benefit of the upside gearing, subject to the maximum gain, only if you hold your Securities to maturity.
♦Your potential return on the Securities is limited to the maximum gain — The return potential of the Securities is limited to the maximum gain. Therefore, you will not benefit from any positive underlying return in excess of an amount that, when multiplied by the upside gearing, exceeds the maximum gain and your return on the Securities may be less than it would be in a hypothetical direct investment in the underlying asset.
♦No interest payments — UBS will not pay any interest with respect to the Securities.
♦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 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 Securities, and a relatively lower downside threshold may not necessarily indicate that the Securities have a greater likelihood of a return of principal at maturity. You should be willing to accept the downside market risk of the underlying asset and the potential to lose some or almost all of your initial investment.
♦Owning the Securities is not the same as owning the underlying constituents — The return on your Securities may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the underlying constituents. For instance, you will not benefit from any positive underlying return in excess of an amount that, when multiplied by the upside gearing, exceeds the maximum gain. Furthermore, as an owner of the Securities, you will not receive or be entitled to receive any dividend payments or other distributions on the underlying constituents during the term of the Securities, and any such dividends or distributions will not be factored into the calculation of the payment at maturity on your Securities. Similarly, you will not have voting rights or any other rights of a holder of the underlying constituents.
Risks Relating to Characteristics of the Underlying Asset
♦Market risk — The return on the Securities, which may be negative, is directly linked to the performance of the underlying asset and indirectly linked to the performance of the underlying constituents and their issuers (the “underlying constituent issuers”). The level of the underlying asset can rise or fall sharply due to factors specific to the underlying asset or the underlying constituents, such as stock or commodity price volatility, earnings, financial conditions, corporate, industry and regulatory developments, management changes and decisions and other events, as well as general market factors, such as general stock and commodity market volatility and levels, interest rates and economic, political and other conditions. You, as an investor in the Securities, should conduct your own investigation into the underlying asset and underlying constituents.
♦There can be no assurance that the investment view implicit in the Securities 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 will be equal to or greater than the initial level or downside threshold. The level of the underlying asset will be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors that affect the underlying constituent issuers. You should be willing to accept the downside risks associated with the underlying asset and the risk of losing some or almost all of your initial investment.
♦Changes affecting the underlying asset, including regulatory changes, could have an adverse effect on the market value of, and return on, your Securities — The policies of the index sponsor as specified under “Information About the Underlying Asset” (the “index sponsor”), concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the underlying constituents and the manner in which the index sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those underlying constituents may adversely affect the level of the underlying asset. The policies of the index sponsor with respect to the calculation of the underlying asset could also adversely affect the level of the underlying asset. The index sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the underlying asset. Further, indices like the underlying asset have been, and continue to be, the subject of regulatory guidance and proposal for reform, including the European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2016/1011. The occurrence of a benchmark event (as defined in the accompanying product supplement under “General Terms of the Securities — Discontinuance of, Adjustments to, or Benchmark Event or Change in Law Affecting, an Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation”), such as the failure of a benchmark (the underlying asset) or the administrator (the index sponsor) or user of a benchmark (such as UBS), to comply with the authorization, equivalence or other requirements of the benchmarks regulation, may result in the discontinuation of the relevant benchmark or a prohibition on its use. If these or other events occur, then the calculation agent may select a successor index, reference a replacement basket or use an alternative method of calculation, in each case, in a manner it considers appropriate, or, if it determines that no successor index, replacement basket or alternative method of calculation would be comparable to the original underlying asset, it may deem the closing level of the original underlying asset on the trading day immediately prior to the date of such event to be its closing level on each applicable date. Such events and the potential adjustments are described further in the accompanying product supplement under “— Discontinuance of, Adjustments to, or Benchmark Event or Change in Law Affecting, an Underlying Index; Alteration of Method of Calculation”. Notwithstanding the ability of the calculation agent to make any of the foregoing adjustments, any such change or event could adversely affect the market value of, and return on, the Securities.
♦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 Securities offering in any way and
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has no obligation to consider your interest as an owner of the Securities in taking any actions that might affect the market value of, and return on, your Securities.
♦The Russell 2000® Index reflects price return, not total return — The return on the Securities is based on the performance of the Russell 2000® Index, which reflects the changes in the market prices of its underlying constituents. The Russell 2000® Index is not a “total return” index or strategy, which, in addition to reflecting those price returns, would also reflect any dividends paid on its underlying constituents. The return on the Securities will not include such a total return feature or dividend component.
♦The Securities are subject to small-capitalization stock risks — The Securities are subject to risks associated with small-capitalization companies because the Russell 2000® Index is comprised of stocks of companies that may be considered small-capitalization companies. These companies often have greater stock price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies and therefore such index may be more volatile than an index in which a greater percentage of its constituents are issued by large-capitalization companies. Stock prices of small-capitalization companies are also more vulnerable than those of large-capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments, and the stocks of small-capitalization companies may be thinly traded. In addition, small-capitalization companies are typically less stable financially than large-capitalization companies and may depend on a small number of key personnel, making them more vulnerable to loss of personnel. Small-capitalization companies are often given less analyst coverage and may be in early, and less predictable, periods of their corporate existences. Such companies tend to have smaller revenues, less diverse product lines, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strengths than large-capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products.
Estimated Value Considerations
♦The issue price you pay for the Securities will exceed their estimated initial value — The issue price you pay for the Securities 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 and other 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 Securities by reference to our internal pricing models and it will be set forth in the final pricing supplement. The pricing models used to determine the estimated initial value of the Securities incorporate certain variables, including the level and volatility of the underlying asset and underlying constituents, any expected dividends on the underlying constituents, prevailing interest rates, the term of the Securities 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 and other costs, projected profits and the difference in rates will reduce the economic value of the Securities to you. Due to these factors, the estimated initial value of the Securities as of the trade date will be less than the issue price you pay for the Securities.
♦The estimated initial value is a theoretical price; the actual price at which you may be able to sell your Securities in any secondary market (if any) at any time after the trade date may differ from the estimated initial value — The value of your Securities at any time will vary based on many factors, including the factors described above and in “— Risks Relating to Characteristics of the Underlying Asset — 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 Securities in the secondary market, the actual value you would receive may differ, perhaps materially, from the estimated initial value of the Securities determined by reference to our internal pricing models. The estimated initial value of the Securities does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Securities in any secondary market at any time.
♦Our actual profits may be greater or less than the differential between the estimated initial value and the issue price of the Securities as of the trade date — We may determine the economic terms of the Securities, as well as hedge our obligations, at least in part, prior to 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 Securities cannot be determined as of the trade date and any such differential between the estimated initial value and the issue price of the Securities as of the trade date does not reflect our actual profits. Ultimately, our actual profits will be known only at the maturity of the Securities.
Risks Relating to Liquidity and Secondary Market Price Considerations
♦There may be little or no secondary market for the Securities — The Securities will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network. There can be no assurance that a secondary market for the Securities will develop. UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market in the Securities and may stop making a market at any time. If you are able to sell your Securities prior to maturity you may have to sell them at a substantial loss. The estimated initial value of the Securities does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Securities in any secondary market at any time.
♦The price at which UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates may offer to buy the Securities in the secondary market (if any) may be greater than UBS’ valuation of the Securities 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 Securities, UBS Securities LLC or its affiliates may offer to buy or sell such Securities at a price that exceeds (i) our valuation of the Securities 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 Securities 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 Securities, 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 Securities. As described above, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market for the Securities 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 its customer statements. Investors should inquire as to the valuation provided on customer account statements provided by unaffiliated dealers.
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♦Economic and market factors affecting the terms and market price of Securities prior to maturity — Because structured notes, including the Securities, 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 Securities at issuance and the market price of the Securities prior to maturity. These factors include the level of the underlying asset and the underlying constituents; the volatility of the underlying asset and the underlying constituents; any expected dividends on the underlying constituents; the time remaining to the maturity of the Securities; interest rates in the markets; geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, force majeure and regulatory or judicial events; the creditworthiness of UBS; the then current bid-ask spread for the Securities and the factors discussed under “—Risks Relating to Hedging Activities and Conflicts of Interest — Potential conflicts of interest” below. These and other factors are unpredictable and interrelated and may offset or magnify each other.
♦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 “— Estimated Value Considerations” as well as the inclusion in the issue price of the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance and other 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 Securities in any secondary market.
Risks Relating to Hedging Activities and Conflicts of Interest
♦Potential UBS impact on price — Trading or transactions by UBS or its affiliates in the underlying asset or any underlying constituent, as applicable, listed and/or over-the-counter options, futures, exchange-traded funds or other instruments with returns linked to the performance of the underlying asset or any underlying constituent, as applicable, may adversely affect the level of the underlying asset and, therefore, the market value of, and return on, the Securities.
♦Potential conflicts of interest — UBS and its affiliates may engage in business with any underlying constituent issuer, which may present a conflict between the interests of UBS and you, as a holder of the Securities. There are also potential conflicts of interest between you and the calculation agent, which will be an affiliate of UBS. The calculation agent will determine the payment at maturity of the Securities based on the final level of the underlying asset. The calculation agent can postpone the determination of the terms of the Securities if a market disruption event occurs and is continuing on the trade date or the final valuation date. As UBS determines the economic terms of the Securities, including the downside threshold (and corresponding buffer), maximum gain and upside gearing, and such terms include the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance and other costs and projected profits, the Securities 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 Securities, including as a principal, agent or dealer in connection with the sale of the Securities. Such affiliates, and any other third-party dealers, will derive compensation from the distribution of the Securities and such compensation may serve as an incentive to sell these Securities 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 Securities 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, and return on, the Securities, or express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Securities. 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 Securities and the underlying asset.
Risks Relating to General Credit Characteristics
♦Credit risk of UBS — The Securities 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 Securities, including any repayment of principal, 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 Securities. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the Securities and you could lose all of your initial investment.
♦The Securities are not bank deposits — An investment in the Securities carries risks which are very different from the risk profile of a bank deposit placed with UBS or its affiliates. The Securities 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 Securities and/or the ability of UBS to make payments thereunder — The Swiss Federal Act on Banks and Savings Banks of November 8, 1934, as amended (the “Swiss Banking Act”) grants the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) broad powers to take measures and actions in relation to UBS if it concludes that there is justified concern that UBS is over-indebted or has serious liquidity problems or, after expiry of a deadline, UBS fails to fulfill the applicable capital adequacy requirements (whether on a standalone or consolidated basis). 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.
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In restructuring proceedings, FINMA, as resolution authority, is competent to approve the restructuring plan. The restructuring 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 Securities) 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 partial or full conversion of UBS’ debt and/or other obligations, including its obligations under the Securities, 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 Securities. Prior to any debt-to-equity swap or write-off with respect to any Securities, outstanding equity and debt instruments issued by UBS qualifying as additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital must be converted or written-down, as applicable, and cancelled. The Swiss Banking Act addresses the order in which a debt-to-equity swap or a write-off of debt instruments (other than debt instruments qualifying as additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital) should occur: first, all subordinated obligations not qualifying as regulatory capital; second, debt instruments for loss absorbency in the course of insolvency measures (Schuldinstrumente zur Verlusttragung im Falle von Insolvenzmassnahmen) under the Swiss Ordinance concerning Capital Adequacy and Risk Diversification for Banks and Securities Dealers of June 1, 2012, as amended; third, all other obligations not excluded by law from a debt-to-equity swap or write-off (other than deposits), such as the Securities; and fourth, deposits to the extent in excess of the amount privileged by law. However, given the broad discretion granted to FINMA, any restructuring plan approved by FINMA in connection with restructuring proceedings with respect to UBS could provide that the claims under or in connection with the Securities will be fully or partially converted into equity or written-off, while preserving other obligations of UBS that rank pari passu with UBS’ obligations under the Securities. Consequently, the exercise by FINMA of any of its statutory resolution powers or any suggestion of any such exercise could materially adversely affect the rights of holders of the Securities, the price or value of their investment in the Securities and/or the ability of UBS to satisfy its obligations under the Securities and could lead to holders losing some or all of their investment in the Securities.
Once FINMA has opened restructuring proceedings with respect to UBS, it may consider factors such as the results of operations, financial condition (in particular, the level of indebtedness, potential future losses and/or restructuring costs), liquidity profile and regulatory capital adequacy of UBS and its subsidiaries, or any other factors of its choosing, when determining whether to exercise any of its statutory resolution powers with respect to UBS, including, if it chooses to exercise such powers to order a debt-to- equity swap and/or a write-off, whether to do so in full or in part. The criteria that FINMA may consider in exercising any statutory resolution power provide it with considerable discretion. Therefore, holders of the Securities may not be able to refer to publicly available criteria in order to anticipate a potential exercise of any such power and, consequently, its potential effects on the Securities and/or UBS.
If UBS were to be subject to restructuring proceedings, the creditors whose claims are affected by the restructuring plan would not have a right to vote on, reject, or seek the suspension of the restructuring plan. In addition, if a restructuring plan with respect to UBS has been approved by FINMA, the rights of a creditor to challenge the restructuring plan or have the restructuring plan reviewed by a judicial or administrative process or otherwise (e.g., on the grounds that the plan would unduly prejudice the rights of holders of Securities or otherwise be in violation of the Swiss Banking Act) are very limited. Even if any of UBS’ creditors were to successfully challenge the restructuring plan in court, the court could only require the relevant creditors to be compensated ex post and there is currently no guidance as to on what basis such compensation would be calculated and how it would be funded. Any such challenge (even if successful) would not suspend, or result in the suspension of, the implementation of the restructuring plan.
Risks Relating to U.S. Federal Income Taxation
♦Uncertain tax treatment — Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the Securities are uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor about your tax situation. See “What Are the Tax Consequences of the Securities?” 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 Securities 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 final pricing supplement.
The examples and table below illustrate the payment at maturity for a $1,000 Security on a hypothetical offering of the Securities, with the following assumptions (amounts may have been rounded for ease of reference):
Principal Amount: | $1,000 |
Term: | Approximately 15 months |
Initial Level: | 2,000.00 |
Downside Threshold: | 1,800.00 (which is equal to 90.00% of the Initial Level) |
Buffer: | 10.00% |
Upside Gearing: | 1.50 |
Maximum Gain: | 19.20% |
Range of Underlying Return: | -100% to 40% |
Example 1 — The Underlying Return is 5.00%.
Because the underlying return is positive and, when multiplied by the upside gearing, is less than the maximum gain, the payment at maturity per Security will be calculated as follows:
$1,000 × (1 + the lesser of (a) Underlying Return × Upside Gearing and (b) Maximum Gain)
= $1,000 × (1 + the lesser of (a) 5.00% × 1.50 and (b) 19.20%)
= $1,000 × (1 + 7.50%)
= $1,075.00 per Security (7.50% total return).
Example 2 — The Underlying Return is 30.00%.
Because the underlying return is positive and, when multiplied by the upside gearing, is equal to or greater than the maximum gain, the payment at maturity per Security will be calculated as follows:
$1,000 × (1 + the lesser of (a) Underlying Return × Upside Gearing and (b) Maximum Gain)
= $1,000 × (1 + the lesser of (a) 30.00% × 1.50 and (b) 19.20%)
= $1,000 × (1 + 19.20%)
= $1,192.00 per Security (19.20% total return).
Example 3 — The Underlying Return is -5.00% and the Final Level is equal to or greater than the Downside Threshold.
Because the underlying return is zero or negative and the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, the payment at maturity per Security will be equal to the principal amount of $1,000 (0.00% total return).
Example 4 — The Underlying Return is -60.00% and the Final Level is less than the Downside Threshold.
Because the underlying return is negative and the final level is less than the downside threshold, the payment at maturity per Security will be less than the principal amount, calculated as follows:
$1,000 × [1 + (Underlying Return + Buffer)]
= $1,000 × [1 + (-60.00% + 10.00%)]
= $500.00 per Security (50.00% loss).
In this scenario, you will suffer a percentage loss on your initial investment equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment.
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Underlying Asset | Payment and Return at Maturity | ||
Final Level | Underlying Return | Payment at Maturity | Security Total Return at Maturity |
2,800.00 | 40.00% | $1,192.00 | 19.20% |
2,400.00 | 20.00% | $1,192.00 | 19.20% |
2,300.00 | 15.00% | $1,192.00 | 19.20% |
2,256.00 | 12.80% | $1,192.00 | 19.20% |
2,240.00 | 12.00% | $1,180.00 | 18.00% |
2,160.00 | 8.00% | $1,120.00 | 12.00% |
2,080.00 | 4.00% | $1,060.00 | 6.00% |
2,000.00 | 0.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
1,900.00 | -5.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
1,800.00 | -10.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
1,600.00 | -20.00% | $900.00 | -10.00% |
1,400.00 | -30.00% | $800.00 | -20.00% |
1,200.00 | -40.00% | $700.00 | -30.00% |
1,000.00 | -50.00% | $600.00 | -40.00% |
800.00 | -60.00% | $500.00 | -50.00% |
600.00 | -70.00% | $400.00 | -60.00% |
400.00 | -80.00% | $300.00 | -70.00% |
200.00 | -90.00% | $200.00 | -80.00% |
0.00 | -100.00% | $100.00 | -90.00% |
Investing in the Securities involves significant risks. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment. Specifically, if the final level is less than the downside threshold, you will lose a percentage of your principal amount equal to the percentage that the final level is less than the initial level in excess of the buffer and, in extreme situations, you could lose almost all of your initial investment. Any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amount owed to you under the Securities and you could lose all of your initial investment.
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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 below is a brief description of the underlying asset. This information has been obtained from publicly available sources. Set forth below is a graph that illustrates the past performance for the underlying asset. The information given below is for the period indicated. We obtained the past performance information set forth below from Bloomberg Professional® service (“Bloomberg”) without independent verification. You should not take the historical levels of the underlying asset as an indication of future performance.
Russell 2000® Index
We have derived all information regarding the Russell 2000® Index (“RTY”) 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 the Frank Russell Company (the “index sponsor” or “FTSE Russell”).
RTY is published by FTSE Russell, but FTSE Russell has no obligation to continue to publish RTY, and may discontinue publication of RTY at any time. RTY is determined, comprised and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to this instrument.
As discussed more fully in the index supplement under the heading “Underlying Indices and Underlying Index Publishers – Russell 2000 Index,” RTY measures the composite price performance of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index is composed of the 3,000 largest United States companies by market capitalization and represents approximately 98% of the market capitalization of the United States equity market. Select information regarding top constituents and industry and/or sector weightings may be made available by the index sponsor on its website. RTY’s value is calculated by adding the market values of the underlying constituents and then dividing the derived total market capitalization by the “adjusted” capitalization of RTY on the base date of December 31, 1986.
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 the underlying asset.
Historical Information
The graph below illustrates the performance of RTY from January 1, 2015 through January 7, 2025, based on the daily closing levels as reported by Bloomberg, without independent verification. UBS has not conducted any independent review or due diligence of any information obtained from Bloomberg. The closing level of RTY on January 7, 2025 was 2,249.804 (the “hypothetical initial level”). The dotted line represents a hypothetical downside threshold of 2,024.824, which is equal to 90.00% of the hypothetical initial level. The actual initial level 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 during the term of the Securities.
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What Are the Tax Consequences of the Securities?
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Securities 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 Securities. 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 U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), final, temporary and proposed U.S. Department of the Treasury (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 Securities, and the following discussion is not binding on the IRS.
U.S. Tax Treatment. Pursuant to the terms of the Securities, 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 Securities as prepaid derivative contracts with respect to the underlying asset. If your Securities are so treated, you should generally recognize gain or loss upon the taxable disposition of your Securities in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount you paid for your Securities. Such gain or loss should generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Securities for more than one year (otherwise such gain or loss should 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 special U.S. tax counsel, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, is of the opinion that it would be reasonable to treat your Securities in the manner described above. However, because there is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of the Securities, it is possible that your Securities 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 Securities 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.
Except to the extent otherwise required by law, UBS intends to treat your Securities 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 IRS and the Treasury 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 Securities. According to Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury are actively considering whether the holder of an instrument similar to the Securities should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis. 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 Securities 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 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 Securities, 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. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the application of this legislation to their ownership of the Securities.
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 Securities or to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your Securities 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 realized from the taxable disposition of a Security 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.
Section 897. We will not attempt to ascertain whether any underlying constituent issuer would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” (a “USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the Securities should be treated as “United States real property interests” (“USRPI”) as defined in Section 897 of the Code. If any such entity and the Securities 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 Security upon a taxable disposition of the Security 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 any such entity as a USRPHC and the Securities 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 2017. 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, 2027.
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Based on our determination that the Securities are not “delta-one” with respect to the underlying asset or any underlying constituents, our special U.S. tax counsel is of the opinion that the Securities 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 on the date the terms of the Securities are set. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.
Nevertheless, after the date the terms are set, it is possible that your Securities could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying asset, the underlying constituents or your Securities, and following such occurrence your Securities 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 Securities under these rules if you enter, or have entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the underlying asset, any underlying constituents or the Securities. If you enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the underlying asset, any underlying constituents or the Securities, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to your Securities in the context of your other transactions.
Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the Securities, 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 Securities.
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 Securities 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 Securities purchased after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of the Securities despite the fact that there will be no interest payments over the term of the Securities.
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 Securities 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 Securities. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the possible changes in law and their possible impact on the tax treatment of your Securities.
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 situations, as well as any tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of the Securities 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 Securities at the issue price to the public less the underwriting discount indicated on the cover hereof. UBS Securities LLC intends to resell the Securities to one or more third-party dealers at a discount from the issue price to the public equal to the underwriting discount indicated on the cover hereof. Certain of such third-party dealers may resell the Securities to other securities dealers at the issue price to the public less an underwriting discount of up to the underwriting discount indicated on the cover hereof. Certain unaffiliated registered investment advisers or fee-based advisory accounts may purchase Securities from a third-party dealer at a purchase price of at least $993.50 per Security, and such third-party dealer, with respect to such sales, may forgo some or all of the underwriting discount. Additionally, we or one of our affiliates will pay a fee to an unaffiliated broker-dealer for providing certain electronic platform services with respect to this offering.
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 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 Securities, 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 Securities 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 Securities in the secondary market (if any) at prices greater than UBS’ internal valuation — The value of the Securities at any time will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted. However, the price (not including UBS Securities LLC’s or any affiliates’ customary bid-ask spreads) at which UBS Securities LLC or any affiliate would offer to buy or sell the Securities immediately after the trade date in the secondary market is expected to exceed the estimated initial value of the Securities 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 Securities and may stop making a market at any time. For more information about secondary market offers and the estimated initial value of the Securities, see “Key Risks — Estimated Value Considerations” and “— Risks Relating to Liquidity and Secondary Market Price Considerations” herein.
Prohibition of Sales to EEA & UK Retail Investors — The Securities 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 “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation.
The Securities 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 United Kingdom (the “UK”). For these purposes, a retail investor in the UK means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, subject to amendments made by the Markets in Financial Instruments (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1403), as may be amended or superseded from time to time (the “EUWA”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (“UK Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK 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 Securities 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 |
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Preliminary Pricing Supplement |
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Investment Description | i |
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Features | i |
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Key Dates | i |
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Security Offering | i |
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Additional Information About UBS and the Securities | ii |
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Investor Suitability | 1 |
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Preliminary Terms | 2 |
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Investment Timeline | 3 |
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Key Risks | 4 |
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Hypothetical Examples and Return Table of the Securities at Maturity | 8 |
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Information About the Underlying Asset | 10 |
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What Are the Tax Consequences of the Securities? | 11 |
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Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any) | 13 |
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Product Supplement |
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Product Supplement Summary | PS-1 |
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Specific Terms of Each Security Will Be Described in the Applicable Supplements | PS-1 |
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The Securities are Part of a Series | PS-1 |
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Denomination | PS-2 |
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Coupons | PS-2 |
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Early Redemption | PS-3 |
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Payment at Maturity for the Securities | PS-3 |
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Defined Terms Relating to Payment on the Securities | PS-4 |
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Valuation Dates | PS-5 |
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Valuation Periods | PS-6 |
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Payment Dates | PS-6 |
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Closing Level | PS-7 |
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Intraday Level | PS-7 |
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What are the Tax Consequences of the Securities? | PS-8 |
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Risk Factors | PS-9 |
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General Terms of the Securities | PS-26 |
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Use of Proceeds and Hedging | PS-52 |
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences | PS-53 |
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Certain ERISA Considerations | PS-76 |
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Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) | PS-77 |
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Index Supplement |
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Index Supplement Summary | IS-1 |
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Underlying Indices And Underlying Index Publishers | IS-2 |
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Dow Jones Industrial AverageTM | IS-2 |
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Nasdaq-100 Index® | IS-6 |
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Russell 2000® Index | IS-13 |
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S&P 500® Index | IS-18 |
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Non-U.S. Indices | IS-25 |
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EURO STOXX 50® Index | IS-25 |
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FTSE® 100 Index | IS-30 |
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MSCI Indexes | IS-34 |
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MSCI-EAFE® Index | IS-34 |
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MSCI® Emerging Markets IndexSM | IS-34 |
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MSCI® Europe Index | IS-35 |
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Prospectus |
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Introduction | 1 |
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 3 |
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Incorporation of Information About UBS AG | 4 |
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Where You Can Find More Information | 5 |
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Presentation of Financial Information | 6 |
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Limitations on Enforcement of U.S. Laws Against UBS AG, Its Management and Others | 6 |
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UBS | 6 |
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Swiss Regulatory Powers | 9 |
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Use of Proceeds | 10 |
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Description of Debt Securities We May Offer | 10 |
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Description of Warrants We May Offer | 31 |
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Legal Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance | 47 |
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Considerations Relating to Indexed Securities | 52 |
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Considerations Relating to Floating Rate Securities | 55 |
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Considerations Relating to Securities Denominated or Payable in or Linked to a Non-U.S. Dollar Currency | 57 |
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U.S. Tax Considerations | 59 |
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Tax Considerations Under the Laws of Switzerland | 70 |
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Benefit Plan Investor Considerations | 72 |
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Plan of Distribution | 73 |
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Validity of the Securities | 76 |
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Experts | 76 |
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$• UBS AG
Capped Buffer GEARS due on or about April 20, 2026
Preliminary Pricing Supplement dated January 8, 2025
(To Product Supplement dated May 27, 2022,
Index Supplement dated May 27, 2022
and Prospectus dated May 27, 2022)
UBS Investment Bank
UBS Securities LLC
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