The information in this preliminary pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement, product supplement and underlying supplement do not constitute an offer to sell the securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy the securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion. Dated September 27, 2024
PRICING SUPPLEMENT dated October , 2024 (To the Prospectus dated May 23, 2022, the Prospectus Supplement dated June 27, 2022, the Product Supplement No. WF-1 dated October 17, 2022 and the Underlying Supplement dated June 27, 2022) | Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement No. 333-265158 |
 |
Barclays Bank PLC Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A |
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028 |
n Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index (the “Index”) n Unlike ordinary debt securities, the securities do not pay interest or repay a fixed amount of principal at maturity. Instead, the securities provide for a maturity payment amount that may be greater than, equal to or less than the principal amount of the securities, depending on the performance of the Index from the starting level to the ending level. The maturity payment amount will reflect the following terms: n If the level of the Index increases, you will receive the principal amount plus a positive return equal to at least 120% (to be determined on the pricing date) of the percentage increase in the level of the Index from the starting level to the ending level. n If the level of the Index remains flat or decreases but the decrease is not more than 40%, you will receive the principal amount. n If the level of the Index decreases by more than 40%, you will receive less than the principal amount and will have 1-to-1 downside exposure to the decrease in the level of the Index in excess of 40%. n Investors may lose up to 60% of the principal amount. n Any payment on the securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of Barclays Bank PLC and is not guaranteed by any third party. If Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its payment obligations or become subject to the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power (as described on page PPS-6 of this pricing supplement) by the relevant U.K. resolution authority, you might not receive any amounts owed to you under the securities. See “Selected Risk Considerations” and “Consent to U.K. Bail-in Power” in this pricing supplement and “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. n No periodic interest payments or dividends n No exchange listing; designed to be held to maturity |
See “Additional Information about the Issuer and the Securities” on page PPS-4 of this pricing supplement. The securities will have the terms specified in the prospectus dated May 23, 2022, the prospectus supplement dated June 27, 2022, the product supplement no. WF-1 dated October 17, 2022 and the underlying supplement dated June 27, 2022, as supplemented or superseded by this pricing supplement.
The securities have complex features and investing in the securities involves risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities. See “Selected Risk Considerations” on page PPS-9 herein, “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-3 of the product supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-9 of the prospectus supplement.
The securities constitute our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The securities are not deposit liabilities of Barclays Bank PLC and are not covered by the U.K. Financial Services Compensation Scheme or insured by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or deposit insurance agency of the United States, the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this pricing supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of the securities or any other agreements, arrangements or understandings between Barclays Bank PLC and any holder or beneficial owner of the securities (or the trustee on behalf of the holders of the securities), by acquiring the securities, each holder and beneficial owner of the securities acknowledges, accepts, agrees to be bound by, and consents to the exercise of, any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority. See “Consent to U.K. Bail-in Power” on page PPS-6 of this pricing supplement.
| Original Offering Price(1) | Agent Discount(2), (3) | Proceeds to Barclays Bank PLC | |
| Per Security | $1,000.00 | $35.75 | $964.25 |
| Total |
| (1) | Our estimated value of the securities on the pricing date, based on our internal pricing models, is expected to be between $919.30 and $949.30 per security. The estimated value is expected to be less than the original offering price of the securities. See “Additional Information Regarding Our Estimated Value of the Securities” on page PPS-5 of this pricing supplement. |
| (2) | Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”) and Barclays Capital Inc. are the agents for the distribution of the securities and are acting as principal. The agent will receive an underwriting discount of up to $35.75 per security. Barclays Capital Inc. will sell the securities to WFS at the original offering price of the securities less a concession not in excess of $35.75 per security. WFS may provide dealers, which may include Wells Fargo Advisors (“WFA”) (the trade name of the retail brokerage business of WFS’s affiliates, Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC), with a selling concession of $27.50 per security. In addition to the concession allowed to WFA, WFS may pay $0.75 per security of the agent’s discount to WFA as a distribution expense fee for each security sold by WFA. See “Terms of the Securities—Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement for further information. |
| (3) | In respect of certain securities sold in this offering, Barclays Capital Inc. may pay a fee of up to $3.00 per security to selected securities dealers in consideration for marketing and other services in connection with the distribution of the securities to other securities dealers. |
| Wells Fargo Securities | Barclays Capital Inc. |
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Terms of the Securities
| Issuer: | Barclays Bank PLC |
| Market Measure1: | EURO STOXX 50® Index (Bloomberg ticker symbol “SX5E<Index>”) (the “Index”) |
| Pricing Date: | October 30, 2024 |
| Issue Date: | November 4, 2024 |
| Calculation Day2: | October 30, 2028 |
| Stated Maturity Date2: | November 2, 2028 |
| Principal Amount: | $1,000 per security. References in this pricing supplement to a “security” are to a security with a principal amount of $1,000. |
| Maturity Payment Amount: | On the stated maturity date, you will be entitled to receive a cash payment per security in U.S. dollars equal to the maturity payment amount. The “maturity payment amount” per security will equal: · if the ending level is greater than the starting level: $1,000 + ($1,000 × index return × upside participation rate) · if the ending level is less than or equal to the starting level, but greater than or equal to the threshold level: $1,000; or · if the ending level is less than the threshold level: $1,000 + [$1,000 × (index return + buffer amount)] If the ending level is less than the threshold level, you will lose up to 60% of the principal amount of your securities at maturity. Any payment on the securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of Barclays Bank PLC and is not guaranteed by any third party. If Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its payment obligations or become subject to the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority, you might not receive any amounts owed to you under the securities. |
| Upside Participation Rate: | The “upside participation rate” will be determined on the pricing date and will be at least 120%. |
| Threshold Level: | , which is equal to 60% of the starting level |
| Buffer Amount: | 40% |
| Index Return: | The “index return” is the percentage change from the starting level to the ending level, measured as follows: ending level – starting level starting level |
| Starting Level: | , which is the closing level of the Index on the pricing date |
| Ending Level: | The “ending level” will be the closing level of the Index on the calculation day. |
| Closing Level: | “Closing level” has the meaning set forth under “General Terms of the Securities—Certain Terms for Securities Linked to an Index—Certain Definitions” in the product supplement. |
| Additional Terms: | Terms used in this pricing supplement, but not defined herein, will have the meanings ascribed to them in the product supplement, provided that terms used in this pricing supplement, but not defined herein or in the product supplement, will have the meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus supplement. |
| Calculation Agent: | Barclays Bank PLC |
| Tax Considerations: | For a discussion of the tax considerations relating to ownership and disposition of the securities, see “Tax Considerations.” |
| Denominations: | $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 |
PPS-2
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
| CUSIP / ISIN: | 06745Y5D0 / US06745Y5D05 |
| Supplemental Plan of Distribution: | Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”) and Barclays Capital Inc. will act as agents for the securities. The agent will receive an underwriting discount of up to $35.75 per security. Barclays Capital Inc. will sell the securities to WFS at the original offering price of the securities less a concession not in excess of $35.75 per security. WFS may provide dealers, which may include Wells Fargo Advisors (“WFA”) (the trade name of the retail brokerage business of WFS’s affiliates, Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC), with a selling concession of $27.50 per security. In addition to the concession allowed to WFA, WFS may pay $0.75 per security of the agent’s discount to WFA as a distribution expense fee for each security sold by WFA. In addition, in respect of certain securities sold in this offering, Barclays may pay a fee of up to $3.00 per security to selected securities dealers in consideration for marketing and other services in connection with the distribution of the securities to other securities dealers. Barclays Bank PLC or its affiliate will enter into swap agreements or related hedge transactions with one of its other affiliates or unaffiliated counterparties in connection with the sale of the securities. If WFS, Barclays Capital Inc. or an affiliate of either agent participating as a dealer in the distribution of the securities conducts hedging activities for Barclays Bank PLC in connection with the securities, such agent or participating dealer will expect to realize a projected profit from such hedging activities, and this projected profit will be in addition to any discount, concession or fee received in connection with the sale of the securities to you. This additional projected profit may create a further incentive for the agents or participating dealers to sell the securities to you. We expect that delivery of the securities will be made against payment for the securities on the issue date, which is more than one business day following the pricing date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the accompanying prospectus supplement, under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, effective May 28, 2024, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the securities on any date prior to one business day before delivery will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisor. |
1 If the Index is discontinued or if the sponsor of the Index fails to publish the Index, the calculation agent may select a successor index or, if no successor index is available, will calculate the value to be used as the closing level of the Index. In addition, the calculation agent will calculate the value to be used as the closing level of the Index in the event of certain changes in or modifications to the Index. For more information, see “General Terms of the Securities—Certain Terms for Securities Linked to an Index—Adjustments to an Index” and “—Discontinuance of an Index” in the accompanying product supplement.
2 If the calculation day is not a trading day, the calculation day will be postponed to the next succeeding trading day. The calculation day will also be postponed if a market disruption event occurs on the calculation day as described under “General Terms of the Securities—Consequences of a Market Disruption Event; Postponement of a Calculation Day—Securities Linked to a Single Market Measure” in the accompanying product supplement. In addition, the stated maturity date will be postponed if that day is not a business day or if the calculation day is postponed as described under “General Terms of the Securities—Payment Dates” in the accompanying product supplement.
PPS-3
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Additional Information about the Issuer and the Securities
You should read this pricing supplement together with the prospectus dated May 23, 2022, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated June 27, 2022 relating to our Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A, of which these securities are a part, the product supplement no. WF-1 dated October 17, 2022 and the underlying supplement dated June 27, 2022. This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the securities and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative 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 under “Risk Factors” in the prospectus supplement and “Selected Risk Considerations” in this pricing 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 before you invest in the securities.
To the extent the information or terms in this pricing supplement are different from or inconsistent with the information or terms in the prospectus, prospectus supplement, product supplement or underlying supplement, the information and terms in this pricing supplement will control. To the extent the information or terms in the product supplement are different from or inconsistent with the information or terms in the prospectus or prospectus supplement, the information and terms in the product supplement will control.
You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):
| · | Prospectus dated May 23, 2022: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312522157585/d337542df3asr.htm |
| · | Prospectus Supplement dated June 27, 2022: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000312070/000095010322011301/dp169388_424b2-prosupp.htm |
| · | Product Supplement No. WF-1 dated October 17, 2022: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000095010322017881/dp182509_424b2-wf1.htm |
| · | Underlying Supplement dated June 27, 2022: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000312070/000095010322011304/dp169384_424b2-underl.htm |
Our SEC file number is 1-10257. As used in this pricing supplement, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Barclays Bank PLC.
PPS-4
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Additional Information Regarding Our Estimated Value of the Securities
The final terms for the securities will be determined on the date the securities are initially priced for sale to the public (the “pricing date”) based on prevailing market conditions on or prior to the pricing date and will be communicated to investors orally and/or in a final pricing supplement.
Our internal pricing models take into account a number of variables and are based on a number of subjective assumptions, which may or may not materialize, typically including volatility, interest rates and our internal funding rates. Our internal funding rates (which are our internally published borrowing rates based on variables, such as market benchmarks, our appetite for borrowing and our existing obligations coming to maturity) may vary from the levels at which our benchmark debt securities trade in the secondary market. Our estimated value on the pricing date is based on our internal funding rates. Our estimated value of the securities might be lower if such valuation were based on the levels at which our benchmark debt securities trade in the secondary market.
Our estimated value of the securities on the pricing date is expected to be less than the original offering price of the securities. The difference between the original offering price of the securities and our estimated value of the securities is expected to result from several factors, including any sales commissions expected to be paid to Barclays Capital Inc. or another affiliate of ours, any selling concessions, discounts, commissions or fees expected to be allowed or paid to non-affiliated intermediaries, the estimated profit that we or any of our affiliates expect to earn in connection with structuring the securities, the estimated cost that we may incur in hedging our obligations under the securities, and estimated development and other costs that we may incur in connection with the securities.
Our estimated value on the pricing date is not a prediction of the price at which the securities may trade in the secondary market, nor will it be the price at which Barclays Capital Inc. may buy or sell the securities in the secondary market. Subject to normal market and funding conditions, Barclays Capital Inc. or another affiliate of ours intends to offer to purchase the securities in the secondary market but it is not obligated to do so.
Assuming that all relevant factors remain constant after the pricing date, the price at which Barclays Capital Inc. may initially buy or sell the securities in the secondary market, if any, and the value that we may initially use for customer account statements, if we provide any customer account statements at all, may exceed our estimated value on the pricing date for a temporary period expected to be approximately four months after the initial issue date of the securities because, in our discretion, we may elect to effectively reimburse to investors a portion of the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the securities and other costs in connection with the securities that we will no longer expect to incur over the term of the securities. We made such discretionary election and determined this temporary reimbursement period on the basis of a number of factors, which may include the tenor of the securities and/or any agreement we may have with the distributors of the securities. The amount of our estimated costs that we effectively reimburse to investors in this way may not be allocated ratably throughout the reimbursement period, and we may discontinue such reimbursement at any time or revise the duration of the reimbursement period after the initial issue date of the securities based on changes in market conditions and other factors that cannot be predicted.
We urge you to read the “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page PPS-9 of this pricing supplement.
You may revoke your offer to purchase the securities at any time prior to the pricing date. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the securities prior to their pricing date. In the event of any changes to the terms of the securities, we 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 we may reject your offer to purchase.
PPS-5
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Consent to U.K. Bail-in Power
Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of the securities or any other agreements, arrangements or understandings between us and any holder or beneficial owner of the securities (or the trustee on behalf of the holders of the securities), by acquiring the securities, each holder and beneficial owner of the securities acknowledges, accepts, agrees to be bound by and consents to the exercise of, any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority.
Under the U.K. Banking Act 2009, as amended, the relevant U.K. resolution authority may exercise a U.K. Bail-in Power in circumstances in which the relevant U.K. resolution authority is satisfied that the resolution conditions are met. These conditions include that a U.K. bank or investment firm is failing or is likely to fail to satisfy the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”) threshold conditions for authorization to carry on certain regulated activities (within the meaning of section 55B FSMA) or, in the case of a U.K. banking group company that is a European Economic Area (“EEA”) or third country institution or investment firm, that the relevant EEA or third country relevant authority is satisfied that the resolution conditions are met in respect of that entity.
The U.K. Bail-in Power includes any write-down, conversion, transfer, modification and/or suspension power, which allows for (i) the reduction or cancellation of all, or a portion, of the principal amount of, interest on, or any other amounts payable on, the securities; (ii) the conversion of all, or a portion, of the principal amount of, interest on, or any other amounts payable on, the securities into shares or other securities or other obligations of Barclays Bank PLC or another person (and the issue to, or conferral on, the holder or beneficial owner of the securities such shares, securities or obligations); (iii) the cancellation of the securities and/or (iv) the amendment or alteration of the maturity of the securities, or amendment of the amount of interest or any other amounts due on the securities, or the dates on which interest or any other amounts become payable, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; which U.K. Bail-in Power may be exercised by means of a variation of the terms of the securities solely to give effect to the exercise by the relevant U.K. resolution authority of such U.K. Bail-in Power. Each holder and beneficial owner of the securities further acknowledges and agrees that the rights of the holders or beneficial owners of the securities are subject to, and will be varied, if necessary, solely to give effect to, the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority. For the avoidance of doubt, this consent and acknowledgment is not a waiver of any rights holders or beneficial owners of the securities may have at law if and to the extent that any U.K. Bail-in Power is exercised by the relevant U.K. resolution authority in breach of laws applicable in England.
For more information, please see “Selected Risk Considerations—Risks Relating to the Issuer—You May Lose Some or All of Your Investment If Any U.K. Bail-in Power Is Exercised by the Relevant U.K. Resolution Authority” in this pricing supplement as well as “U.K. Bail-in Power,” “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Securities Generally—Regulatory action in the event a bank or investment firm in the Group is failing or likely to fail, including the exercise by the relevant U.K. resolution authority of a variety of statutory resolution powers, could materially adversely affect the value of any securities” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Securities Generally—Under the terms of the securities, you have agreed to be bound by the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
PPS-6
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Investor Considerations
The securities are not appropriate for all investors. The securities may be an appropriate investment for you if all of the following statements are true:
| § | You do not seek an investment that produces periodic interest or coupon payments or other sources of current income. |
| § | You anticipate that the ending level will be greater than the starting level, and you are willing and able to accept the risk that, if the ending level is less than the starting level by more than 40%, you will lose up to 60% of the principal amount of your securities at maturity. |
| § | You are willing and able to accept the risks associated with an investment linked to the performance of the Index, as explained in more detail in the “Selected Risk Considerations” section of this pricing supplement. |
| § | You understand and accept that you will not be entitled to receive dividends or distributions that may be paid to holders of the securities composing the Index, nor will you have any voting rights with respect to the securities composing the Index. |
| § | You do not seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market and you are willing and able to hold the securities to maturity. |
| § | You are willing and able to assume our credit risk for all payments on the securities. |
| § | You are willing and able to consent to the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by any relevant U.K. resolution authority. |
The securities may not be an appropriate investment for you if any of the following statements are true:
| § | You seek an investment that produces periodic interest or coupon payments or other sources of current income. |
| § | You seek an investment that provides for the full repayment of principal at maturity. |
| § | You anticipate that the ending level will be less than the starting level, or you are unwilling or unable to accept the risk that, if the ending level is less than the starting level by more than 40%, you will lose up to 60% of the principal amount of your securities at maturity. |
| § | You are unwilling or unable to accept the risks associated with an investment linked to the performance of the Index, as explained in more detail in the “Selected Risk Considerations” section of this pricing supplement. |
| § | You seek an investment that entitles you to dividends or distributions on, or voting rights related to, the securities composing the Index. |
| § | You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market and/or you are unwilling or unable to hold the securities to maturity. |
| § | You are unwilling or unable to assume our credit risk for all payments on the securities. |
| § | You are unwilling or unable to consent to the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by any relevant U.K. resolution authority. |
The considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the securities are an appropriate 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 appropriateness of an investment in the securities in light of your particular circumstances. You should also review carefully the “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page PPS-9 of this pricing supplement and the “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-3 of the accompanying product supplement and the “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-9 of the accompanying prospectus supplement for risks related to an investment in the securities. For more information about the Index, please see the section titled “The EURO STOXX 50® Index” below.
PPS-7
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Determining the Maturity Payment Amount
On the stated maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per security (the maturity payment amount) calculated as follows:
PPS-8
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Selected Risk Considerations
An investment in the securities involves significant risks. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing directly in the Index or its components. Some of the risks that apply to an investment in the securities are summarized below, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the securities generally in the “Risk Factors” sections of the product supplement and prospectus supplement. You should not purchase the securities unless you understand and can bear the risks of investing in the securities.
Risks Relating to the Securities Generally
| · | If The Ending Level Is Less Than The Threshold Level, You Will Lose Up To 60% Of The Principal Amount Of Your Securities At Maturity — If the ending level is less than the threshold level, the maturity payment amount will be less than the principal amount and you will have full downside exposure to the decrease in the level of the Index in excess of the buffer amount, resulting in a loss of 1% of the principal amount for every 1% decline in the Index in excess of the buffer amount. The threshold level is 60% of the starting level. As a result, you may lose up to 60% of the principal amount at maturity, even if the level of the Index is greater than or equal to the starting level or the threshold level at certain times during the term of the securities. |
| · | No Periodic Interest Will Be Paid On The Securities — No periodic payments of interest will be made on the securities. |
| · | Any Payment On The Securities Will Be Determined Based On The Closing Levels Of The Index On The Dates Specified — Any payment on the securities will be determined based on the closing levels of the Index on the dates specified. You will not benefit from any more favorable level of the Index determined at any other time. |
| · | Owning The Securities Is Not The Same As Owning The Securities Composing The Index — The return on your securities may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the securities composing the Index. For instance, as a holder of the securities, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends or other distributions or any other rights that holders of the securities composing the Index would have. |
| · | 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 Index will rise or fall. There can be no assurance that the ending level will not be less than the threshold level. The level of the Index will be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors that affect the Index and the securities composing the Index. You should be willing to accept the downside risks associated with equities in general and the Index in particular, and the risk of losing up to 60% of the principal amount. |
| · | The U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Of An Investment In The Securities Are Uncertain — There is no direct legal authority regarding the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of the securities, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment of the securities as prepaid forward contracts, as described below under “Tax Considerations.” If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment for the securities, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities could be materially and adversely affected. |
In addition, in 2007 the Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. Any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. You should review carefully the sections of the accompanying prospectus supplement entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Notes Treated as Prepaid Forward or Derivative Contracts” and, if you are a non-U.S. holder, “—Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders,” and consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities (including possible alternative treatments and the issues presented by the 2007 notice), as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Risks Relating to the Issuer
| · | The Securities Are Subject To The Credit Risk Of Barclays Bank PLC — The securities are unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of the issuer, Barclays Bank PLC, 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, is subject to the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due and is not guaranteed by any third party. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of Barclays Bank PLC may affect the market value of the securities and, in the event Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its obligations, you might not receive any amount owed to you under the terms of the securities. |
| · | You May Lose Some Or All Of Your Investment If Any U.K. Bail-In Power Is Exercised By The Relevant U.K. Resolution Authority — Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of the securities or any other agreements, arrangements or understandings between Barclays Bank PLC and any holder or beneficial owner of the securities (or the trustee on behalf of the holders of the securities), by acquiring the securities, each holder and beneficial owner of the securities acknowledges, |
PPS-9
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
accepts, agrees to be bound by, and consents to the exercise of, any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority as set forth under “Consent to U.K. Bail-in Power” in this pricing supplement. Accordingly, any U.K. Bail-in Power may be exercised in such a manner as to result in you and other holders and beneficial owners of the securities losing all or a part of the value of your investment in the securities or receiving a different security from the securities, which may be worth significantly less than the securities and which may have significantly fewer protections than those typically afforded to debt securities. Moreover, the relevant U.K. resolution authority may exercise the U.K. Bail-in Power without providing any advance notice to, or requiring the consent of, the holders and beneficial owners of the securities. The exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority with respect to the securities will not be a default or an Event of Default (as each term is defined in the senior debt securities indenture) and the trustee will not be liable for any action that the trustee takes, or abstains from taking, in either case, in accordance with the exercise of the U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority with respect to the securities. See “Consent to U.K. Bail-in Power” in this pricing supplement as well as “U.K. Bail-in Power,” “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Securities Generally—Regulatory action in the event a bank or investment firm in the Group is failing or likely to fail, including the exercise by the relevant U.K. resolution authority of a variety of statutory resolution powers, could materially adversely affect the value of any securities” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Securities Generally—Under the terms of the securities, you have agreed to be bound by the exercise of any U.K. Bail-in Power by the relevant U.K. resolution authority” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
Risks Relating to the Index
| · | There Are Risks Associated With Investments In Securities Linked To The Value Of Non-U.S. Equity Securities — The equity securities composing the Index are issued by non-U.S. companies in non-U.S. securities markets. Investments in securities linked to the value of such non-U.S. equity securities involve risks associated with the securities markets in the home countries of the issuers of those non-U.S. equity securities, including risks of volatility in those markets, governmental intervention in those markets and cross shareholdings in companies in certain countries. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about companies in some of these jurisdictions than there is about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC, and generally non-U.S. companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements and securities trading rules different from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. The prices of securities in non-U.S. markets may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in those countries, or global regions, including changes in government, economic and fiscal policies and currency exchange laws. |
| · | The Securities Do Not Provide Direct Exposure To Fluctuations In Exchange Rates Between The U.S. Dollar And The Euro — The Index is composed of non-U.S. securities denominated in euro. Because the level of the Index is also calculated in euro (and not in U.S. dollars), the performance of the Index will not be adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the euro. In addition, any payments on the securities determined based on the performance of the Index will not be adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the euro. Therefore, holders of the securities will not benefit from any appreciation of the euro relative to the U.S. dollar. |
| · | The Index Reflects The Price Return Of The Securities Composing The Index, Not The Total Return — The return on the securities is based on the performance of the Index, which reflects changes in the market prices of the securities composing the Index. The Index is not a “total return” index that, in addition to reflecting those price returns, would also reflect dividends paid on the securities composing the Index. Accordingly, the return on the securities will not include such a total return feature. |
| · | We Cannot Control Actions Of Any Of The Unaffiliated Companies Whose Securities Are Included As Components Of The Index — Actions by any company whose securities are components of the Index may have an adverse effect on the price of its security, the closing level of the Index on the calculation day and the value of the securities. These unaffiliated companies will not be involved in the offering of the securities and will have no obligations with respect to the securities, including any obligation to take our or your interests into consideration for any reason. These companies will not receive any of the proceeds of the offering of the securities and will not be responsible for, and will not have participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices for, or quantities of, the securities to be issued. These companies will not be involved with the administration, marketing or trading of the securities and will have no obligations with respect to any amounts to be paid to you on the securities. |
| · | We And Our Affiliates Have No Affiliation With The Index Sponsor And Have Not Independently Verified Its Public Disclosure Of Information — We, our affiliates and WFS and its affiliates are not affiliated in any way with the index sponsor and have no ability to control or predict its actions, including any errors in or discontinuation of disclosure regarding its methods or policies relating to the calculation of the Index. We have derived the information about the Index contained in this pricing supplement and the accompanying underlying supplement from publicly available information, without independent verification. You, as an investor in the securities, should make your own investigation into the Index and the index sponsor. The index sponsor will not be involved in the offering of the securities made hereby in any way, and the index sponsor does not have any obligation to consider your interests as an owner of the securities in taking any actions that might affect the value of the securities. |
| · | Adjustments To The Index Could Adversely Affect The Value Of The Securities And The Amount You Will Receive At Maturity — The sponsor of the Index (the “index sponsor”) may add, delete, substitute or adjust the securities composing the Index or make other methodological changes to the Index that could affect its performance. The calculation agent will calculate the |
PPS-10
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
value to be used as the closing level of the Index in the event of certain material changes in or modifications to the Index. In addition, the index sponsor may also discontinue or suspend calculation or publication of the Index at any time. Under these circumstances, the calculation agent may select a successor index that the calculation agent determines to be comparable to the discontinued index or, if no successor index is available, the calculation agent will determine the value to be used as the closing level of the Index. Any of these actions could adversely affect the level of the Index and, consequently, the value of the securities. See “General Terms of the Securities—Certain Terms for Securities Linked to an Index—Adjustments to an Index” and “—Discontinuance of an Index” in the accompanying product supplement.
| · | The Historical Performance Of The Index Is Not An Indication Of Its Future Performance — The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the Index. It is impossible to predict whether the closing level of the Index will fall or rise during the term of the securities, in particular in the environment in the last several years, which has been characterized by volatility across a wide range of asset classes. Past fluctuations and trends in the level of the Index are not necessarily indicative of fluctuations or trends that may occur in the future. |
Risks Relating to Conflicts of Interest
| · | Potentially Inconsistent Research, Opinions Or Recommendations By Barclays Capital Inc., WFS Or Their Respective Affiliates — Barclays Capital Inc., WFS or their respective affiliates may publish research from time to time on financial markets and other matters that may influence the value of the securities or express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the securities. Any research, opinions or recommendations expressed by Barclays Capital Inc., WFA or their respective affiliates may not be consistent with each other and may be modified from time to time without notice. You should make your own independent investigation of the Index and the merits of investing in the securities. |
| · | We, Our Affiliates And Any Other Agent And/Or Participating Dealer May Engage In Various Activities Or Make Determinations That Could Materially Affect Your Securities In Various Ways And Create Conflicts Of Interest — We, our affiliates, WFS and any dealer participating in the distribution of the securities (a “participating dealer”) may play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the securities, as described below. In performing these roles, our economic interests and the economic interests of our affiliates, WFS and any participating dealer are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities. |
In connection with our normal business activities and in connection with hedging our obligations under the securities, we and our affiliates make markets in and trade various financial instruments or products for our accounts and for the account of our clients and otherwise provide investment banking and other financial services with respect to these financial instruments and products. These financial instruments and products may include securities, derivative instruments or assets that may relate to the Index or its components. In any such market making, trading and hedging activity, investment banking and other financial services, we or our affiliates may take positions or take actions that are inconsistent with, or adverse to, the investment objectives of the holders of the securities. We and our affiliates have no obligation to take the needs of any buyer, seller or holder of the securities into account in conducting these activities. Such market making, trading and hedging activity, investment banking and other financial services may negatively impact the value of the securities. Participating dealers may also engage in such activities that may negatively impact the value of the securities.
In addition, the role played by Barclays Capital Inc., as the agent for the securities, could present significant conflicts of interest with the role of Barclays Bank PLC, as issuer of the securities. For example, Barclays Capital Inc. or its representatives may derive compensation or financial benefit from the distribution of the securities and such compensation or financial benefit may serve as an incentive to sell the securities instead of other investments. Furthermore, we and our affiliates establish the offering price of the securities for initial sale to the public, and the offering price is not based upon any independent verification or valuation.
Furthermore, if any dealer participating in the distribution of the securities or any of its affiliates conducts hedging activities for us in connection with the securities, that participating dealer or its affiliates will expect to realize a projected profit from such hedging activities, and this projected profit will be in addition to any selling concession and/or any fee that the participating dealer realizes for the sale of the securities to you. This additional projected profit may create a further incentive for the participating dealer to sell the securities to you.
In addition to the activities described above, Barclays Bank PLC will also act as the calculation agent for the securities. As calculation agent, we will determine any levels of the Index and make any other determinations necessary to calculate any payments on the securities. In making these determinations, we may be required to make discretionary judgments, including determining whether a market disruption event has occurred on any date that the level of the Index is to be determined; if the Index is discontinued or if the sponsor of the Index fails to publish the Index, selecting a successor index or, if no successor index is available, determining any value necessary to calculate any payments on the securities; and calculating the level of the Index on any date of determination in the event of certain changes in or modifications to the Index. In making these discretionary judgments, our economic interests are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities, and any of these determinations may adversely affect any payments on the securities. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent. You will not be entitled to any compensation from Barclays Bank PLC for any loss suffered as a result of any determinations made by the calculation agent with respect to the securities.
PPS-11
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Risks Relating to the Estimated Value of the Securities and the Secondary Market
| · | The Securities Will Not Be Listed On Any Securities Exchange And We Do Not Expect A Trading Market For The Securities To Develop — The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Barclays Capital Inc. and other affiliates of Barclays Bank PLC intend to make a secondary market for the securities but are not required to do so, and may discontinue any such secondary market making at any time, without notice. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Barclays Capital Inc. and other affiliates of Barclays Bank PLC are willing to buy the securities. The securities are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be willing and able to hold your securities to maturity. |
| · | The Value Of The Securities Prior To Maturity Will Be Affected By Numerous Factors, Some Of Which Are Related In Complex Ways — Structured notes, including the securities, can be thought of as securities that combine a debt instrument with one or more options or other derivative instruments. As a result, the factors that influence the values of debt instruments and options or other derivative instruments will also influence the terms and features of the securities at issuance and their value in the secondary market. Accordingly, in addition to the level of the Index on any day, the value of the securities will be affected by a number of economic and market factors that may either offset or magnify each other, including: |
| · | the expected volatility of the Index and the securities composing the Index; |
| · | the time to maturity of the securities; |
| · | the market prices of, and dividend rates on, the securities composing the Index; |
| · | interest and yield rates in the market generally; |
| · | supply and demand for the securities; |
| · | a variety of economic, financial, political, regulatory and judicial events; |
| · | the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro; and |
| · | our creditworthiness, including actual or anticipated downgrades in our credit ratings. |
| · | The Estimated Value Of Your Securities Is Expected To Be Lower Than The Original Offering Price Of Your Securities — The estimated value of your securities on the pricing date is expected to be lower, and may be significantly lower, than the original offering price of your securities. The difference between the original offering price of your securities and the estimated value of the securities is expected as a result of certain factors, such as any sales commissions, selling concessions, discounts, commissions or fees expected to be allowed or paid to Barclays Capital Inc., another affiliate of ours, WFS or its affiliates or other non-affiliated intermediaries, the estimated profit that we or any of our affiliates expect to earn in connection with structuring the securities, the estimated cost that we may incur in hedging our obligations under the securities, and estimated development and other costs that we may incur in connection with the securities. |
| · | The Estimated Value Of Your Securities Might Be Lower If Such Estimated Value Were Based On The Levels At Which Our Debt Securities Trade In The Secondary Market — The estimated value of your securities on the pricing date is based on a number of variables, including our internal funding rates. Our internal funding rates may vary from the levels at which our benchmark debt securities trade in the secondary market. As a result of this difference, the estimated values referenced above might be lower if such estimated values were based on the levels at which our benchmark debt securities trade in the secondary market. |
| · | The Estimated Value Of The Securities Is Based On Our Internal Pricing Models, Which May Prove To Be Inaccurate And May Be Different From The Pricing Models Of Other Financial Institutions — The estimated value of your securities on the pricing date is based on our internal pricing models, which take into account a number of variables and are based on a number of subjective assumptions, which may or may not materialize. These variables and assumptions are not evaluated or verified on an independent basis. Further, our pricing models may be different from other financial institutions’ pricing models and the methodologies used by us to estimate the value of the securities may not be consistent with those of other financial institutions that may be purchasers or sellers of securities in the secondary market. As a result, the secondary market price of your securities may be materially different from the estimated value of the securities determined by reference to our internal pricing models. |
| · | The Estimated Value Of Your Securities Is Not A Prediction Of The Prices At Which You May Sell Your Securities In The Secondary Market, If Any, And Such Secondary Market Prices, If Any, Will Likely Be Lower Than The Original Offering Price Of Your Securities And May Be Lower Than The Estimated Value Of Your Securities — The estimated value of the securities will not be a prediction of the prices at which Barclays Capital Inc., other affiliates of ours or third |
PPS-12
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
parties may be willing to purchase the securities from you in secondary market transactions (if they are willing to purchase, which they are not obligated to do). The price at which you may be able to sell your securities in the secondary market at any time will be influenced by many factors that cannot be predicted, such as market conditions, and any bid and ask spread for similar sized trades, and may be substantially less than our estimated value of the securities. Further, as secondary market prices of your securities take into account the levels at which our debt securities trade in the secondary market, and do not take into account our various costs related to the securities such as fees, commissions, discounts, and the costs of hedging our obligations under the securities, secondary market prices of your securities will likely be lower than the original offering price of your securities. As a result, the price at which Barclays Capital Inc., other affiliates of ours or third parties may be willing to purchase the securities from you in secondary market transactions, if any, will likely be lower than the price you paid for your securities, and any sale prior to the stated maturity date could result in a substantial loss to you.
| · | The Temporary Price At Which We May Initially Buy The Securities In The Secondary Market And The Value We May Initially Use For Customer Account Statements, If We Provide Any Customer Account Statements At All, May Not Be Indicative Of Future Prices Of Your Securities — Assuming that all relevant factors remain constant after the pricing date, the price at which Barclays Capital Inc. may initially buy or sell the securities in the secondary market (if Barclays Capital Inc. makes a market in the securities, which it is not obligated to do) and the value that we may initially use for customer account statements, if we provide any customer account statements at all, may exceed our estimated value of the securities on the pricing date, as well as the secondary market value of the securities, for a temporary period after the initial issue date of the securities. The price at which Barclays Capital Inc. may initially buy or sell the securities in the secondary market and the value that we may initially use for customer account statements may not be indicative of future prices of your securities. |
PPS-13
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Hypothetical Examples and Returns
The payout profile, return table and examples below illustrate the maturity payment amount for a $1,000 principal amount security on a hypothetical offering of securities under various scenarios, with the assumptions set forth in the table below. Terms used for purposes of these hypothetical examples do not represent the actual starting level, threshold level or ending level applicable to the securities. The actual maturity payment amount and resulting pre-tax total rate of return will depend on the actual terms of the securities. You should not take these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the securities. These examples are for purposes of illustration only. The values used in the examples may have been rounded for ease of analysis. The examples below do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the securities.
| Hypothetical Upside Participation Rate: | 120% (the lowest possible upside participation rate that may be determined on the pricing date) |
| Hypothetical Starting Level: | 100.00 |
| Hypothetical Threshold Level: | 60.00 (60% of the hypothetical starting level) |
| Buffer Amount: | 40% |
The hypothetical starting level of 100.00 has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual starting level. The actual starting level will be the closing level of the Index on the pricing date, the actual threshold level will be 60% of the actual starting level and the actual ending level will be the closing level of the Index on the calculation day. For historical closing levels of the Index, see the historical information set forth under the section titled “The EURO STOXX 50® Index” below. We cannot predict the closing level of the Index on any day during the term of the securities, including on the calculation day.
Hypothetical Payout Profile
PPS-14
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Hypothetical Returns
| Hypothetical ending level | Hypothetical index return | Hypothetical maturity payment amount per security | Hypothetical pre-tax total rate of return |
| 175.00 | 75.00% | $1,900.00 | 90.00% |
| 150.00 | 50.00% | $1,600.00 | 60.00% |
| 140.00 | 40.00% | $1,480.00 | 48.00% |
| 130.00 | 30.00% | $1,360.00 | 36.00% |
| 120.00 | 20.00% | $1,240.00 | 24.00% |
| 110.00 | 10.00% | $1,120.00 | 12.00% |
| 105.00 | 5.00% | $1,060.00 | 6.00% |
| 100.00 | 0.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
| 95.00 | -5.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
| 90.00 | -10.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
| 75.00 | -25.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
| 60.00 | -40.00% | $1,000.00 | 0.00% |
| 59.00 | -41.00% | $990.00 | -1.00% |
| 50.00 | -50.00% | $900.00 | -10.00% |
| 25.00 | -75.00% | $650.00 | -35.00% |
| 0.00 | -100.00% | $400.00 | -60.00% |
Hypothetical Examples
Example 1. Maturity payment amount is greater than the principal amount:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 110.00
Hypothetical threshold level: 60.00
Hypothetical index return: 10.00%
Because the hypothetical ending level is greater than the hypothetical starting level, the maturity payment amount per security would be equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 × index return × upside participation rate)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 10.00% × 120%)
= $1,120.00
On the stated maturity date, you would receive $1,120.00 per security.
Example 2. Maturity payment amount is equal to the principal amount:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 90.00
Hypothetical threshold level: 60.00
Hypothetical index return: -10.00%
Because the hypothetical ending level is less than the hypothetical starting level, but not by more than 40%, you would not lose any of the principal amount of your securities.
On the stated maturity date, you would receive $1,000.00 per security.
Example 3. Maturity payment amount is less than the principal amount:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 50.00
PPS-15
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Hypothetical threshold level: 60.00
Hypothetical index return: -50.00%
Because the hypothetical ending level is less than the hypothetical starting level by more than 40%, you would lose a portion of the principal amount of your securities and receive the maturity payment amount equal to:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (index return + buffer amount)]
= $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-50.00% + 40%)]
= $900.00
On the stated maturity date, you would receive $900.00 per security.
PPS-16
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
The EURO STOXX 50® Index
The Index is a free float market capitalization-weighted index composed of 50 of the largest stocks in terms of free float market capitalization traded on major Eurozone exchanges. For more information about the Index, see “Indices—The STOXX Benchmark Indices” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
Historical Information
We obtained the closing levels displayed in the graph below from Bloomberg Professional® service without independent verification. The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the Index. Future performance of the Index may differ significantly from historical performance, and no assurance can be given as to the closing levels of the Index during the term of the securities, including on the calculation day. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Index will not result in a loss on your initial investment.
The following graph sets forth daily closing levels of the Index for the period from January 1, 2019 to September 25, 2024. The closing level on September 25, 2024 was 4,916.89.
 |
| * The dotted line indicates a hypothetical threshold level of 60% of the closing level of the Index on September 25, 2024. The actual threshold level will be equal to 60% of the starting level. |
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
PPS-17
Market Linked Securities—Leveraged Upside Participation and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index due November 2, 2028
Tax Considerations
In determining our reporting responsibilities, we intend to treat the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes as prepaid forward contracts with respect to the Index, as described in the accompanying prospectus supplement entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Notes Treated as Prepaid Forward or Derivative Contracts” and, if you are a non-U.S. holder, “—Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders.” Based on the advice of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, our special tax counsel, we believe that this is a reasonable treatment, but that there are other reasonable treatments that the IRS or a court may adopt, in which case the timing and character of any income or loss on the securities could be materially and adversely affected.
No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the securities (or similar instruments) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and no ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to their proper characterization and treatment. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. Assuming the above treatment is respected, if you are a U.S. holder, upon a sale or exchange of the securities (including redemption at maturity), you should recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and your tax basis in the securities, which should equal the amount you paid to acquire the securities. This gain or loss on your securities should be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if you hold your securities for more than a year, whether or not you are an initial purchaser of the securities at the original issue price. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. However, the IRS or a court may not respect this treatment, in which case the timing and character of any income or loss on the securities could be materially and adversely affected. There is a substantial risk that the securities could be recharacterized as debt instruments. In that event, U.S. holders would be required to accrue into income original issue discount on the securities every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance, although we will not make any payment with respect to the securities until maturity, and recognize all income and gain in respect of the securities as ordinary income. In addition, in 2007 the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. The notice focuses in particular on whether to require investors in these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment. It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments; the relevance of factors such as the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” regime, which very generally can operate to recharacterize certain long-term capital gain as ordinary income and impose a notional interest charge. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative treatments and the issues presented by this notice.
Non-U.S. holders should also discuss with their tax advisors the estate tax consequences of investing in the securities.
PPS-18