A “BBB” rating by S&P is the fourth-highest category of S&P rating while a “+” or “-” designation shows the relative standing within the major rating categories. A “BBB” rating by S&P generally indicates that the obligor has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments.
A “Baa1” rating by Moody’s is in the higher end of the fourth-highest category of Moody’s ratings. Obligations rated “Baa” are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. The modifier “1” indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier “2” indicates amid-range ranking; and the modifier “3” indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision, suspension or withdrawal at any time by the relevant rating agencies.
The Issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) and a preliminary prospectus supplement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in the registration statement, the preliminary prospectus supplement and other documents the Issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site athttps://www.sec.gov/. Alternatively, copies of the prospectus and the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the securities offered in this offering may be obtained by contacting your Nomura Sales Representative, Nomura Securities International, Inc., Worldwide Plaza, 309 West 49th Street, New York, New York 10019 U.S.A., Telephone:1-800-638-2268 or Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 U.S.A., Telephone:1-800-831-9146.
