The information in this preliminary pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these Notes until the pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement and the accompanying prospectus (collectively, the “Offering Documents”) are delivered in final form. The Offering Documents are not an offer to sell these Notes and we are not soliciting offers to buy these Notes in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion
PRELIMINARY PRICING SUPPLEMENT
Dated April 17, 2024
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-263376
(To Prospectus dated May 27, 2022
and Product Supplement dated May 27, 2022)

 

UBS AG Buffer Yield Notes

UBS AG $• linked to the common stock of Expedia Group, Inc. due April 22, 2025

Investment Description

UBS AG Buffer Yield Notes (the “Notes”) are unsubordinated, unsecured debt obligations issued by UBS AG (“UBS” or the “issuer”) linked to the common stock of Expedia Group, Inc. (the “underlying asset”). UBS will pay you a coupon on each coupon payment date regardless of the performance of the underlying asset. The “initial level” of the underlying asset was determined by the calculation agent on the strike date based on observed levels of the underlying asset on the strike date and is not equal to the actual closing level of the underlying asset on the strike date. If the closing level of the underlying asset on the final valuation date (the “final level”) is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to the principal amount. If, however, the final level is less than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note that is less than the principal amount, resulting in a percentage loss on your initial investment that is 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 Notes involves significant risks. In exchange for receiving a coupon on the Notes, you are accepting the risk of losing some or almost all of your initial investment at maturity. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment at maturity. A higher coupon rate is generally associated with a greater risk of loss. The contingent repayment of principal applies only at maturity. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment.


Features

Income — UBS will pay you a coupon on each coupon payment date regardless of the performance of the underlying asset.

Contingent Repayment of Principal Amount at Maturity with Buffered Downside Market Exposure — If the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to the principal amount. If, however, the final level is less than the downside threshold, at maturity, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note that is less than the principal amount, resulting in a percentage loss on your initial investment that is 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 Notes to maturity. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS.

 

Key Dates

Strike Date

April 16, 2024

Trade Date*

April 18, 2024

Settlement Date*

April 23, 2024

Coupon Payment Dates**

Monthly (see page 4)

Final Valuation Date**

April 16, 2025

Maturity Date**

April 22, 2025

*

We expect to deliver the Notes 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 two business days (T+2), unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes in the secondary market on any date prior to two business days before delivery of the Notes will be required, by virtue of the fact that each Note initially will settle in three business days (T+ 3), to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement of the secondary market trade.

**

Subject to postponement in the event of a market disruption event, as described in the accompanying product supplement.


Notice to investors: the Notes are significantly riskier than conventional debt instruments. The issuer is not necessarily obligated to repay the principal amount of the Notes at maturity, and the Notes may have 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 Notes if you do not understand or are not comfortable with the significant risks involved in investing in the Notes.

You should carefully consider the risks described under “Key Risks” beginning on page 5 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 Notes. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment in the Notes. The Notes will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network.

Note Offering

The initial level of the underlying asset was determined by the calculation agent on the strike date based on observed levels of the underlying asset on the strike date and is not equal to the actual closing level of the underlying asset on the strike date or trade date, and the remaining terms of the Notes were also set on the strike date. Coupons will be paid on each coupon payment date in arrears in equal installments.

Underlying Asset

Bloomberg Ticker

Coupon Rate

Initial Level

Downside Threshold

Buffer

CUSIP

ISIN

Common stock of Expedia Group, Inc.

EXPE

10.65% per annum

$128.9055

$103.1244, which is 80.00% of the Initial Level

20.00%

90307DFG2

US90307DFG25

The estimated initial value of the Notes as of the trade date is expected to be between $964.20 and $994.20. The range of the estimated initial value of the Notes was determined on the date hereof by reference to UBS’ internal pricing models, inclusive of the internal funding rate. For more information about secondary market offers and the estimated initial value of the Notes, see “Key Risks — Estimated Value Considerations” and “— Risks Relating to Liquidity and Secondary Market Price Considerations” beginning on page 6 herein.

See “Additional Information About UBS and the Notes” on page ii. The Notes will have the terms set forth in the accompanying product supplement relating to the Notes, 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 Notes or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this document, the accompanying product supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The Notes are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

Offering of Notes

Issue Price to Public(1)

Underwriting Discount(1)(2)

Proceeds to UBS AG(2)

 

Total

Per Note

Total

Per Note

Total

Per Note

Notes linked to the common stock of Expedia Group, Inc.

$•

$1,000.00

$•

$2.00

$•

$998.00

(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 Notes from a third-party dealer at a purchase price of at least $998.00 per Note, 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 $2.00 per Note sold in this offering. UBS Securities LLC intends to re-allow the full amount of this discount to one or more third-party dealers. Certain of such third-party dealers may resell the Notes 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 Notes

UBS has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by a product supplement for the Notes) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), for the Notes to which this document relates. You should read these documents and any other documents relating to the Notes that UBS has filed with the SEC for more complete information about UBS and the Notes. You may obtain these documents for free 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:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001114446/000183988222011628/ubs2000004208_424b2-04373.htm

Prospectus dated May 27, 2022:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1114446/000119312522162430/d632731d424b3.htm

References to “UBS”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer only to UBS AG and not to its consolidated subsidiaries and references to the “Buffer Yield Notes” or the “Notes” refer to the Notes 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 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 Notes and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including all other prior pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Key Risks” herein and in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement, as the Notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors concerning an investment in the Notes.

If there is any inconsistency between the terms of the Notes described in the accompanying prospectus, the accompanying product supplement and this document, the following hierarchy will govern: first, this document; second, the accompanying product supplement; and last, the accompanying prospectus.

UBS reserves the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the Notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any changes to the terms of the Notes, UBS will notify you and you will be asked to accept such changes in connection with your purchase. You may also choose to reject such changes in which case UBS may reject your offer to purchase.

 

ii

 

Investor Suitability


The Notes may be suitable for you if:

You fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Notes, including the risk of loss of 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 an investment in the underlying asset, subject to the buffer.

You believe that the final level is likely to be equal to or greater than the downside threshold.

You understand and accept that you will not participate in any appreciation in the level of the underlying asset and that your potential return is limited to the coupons specified herein.

You can tolerate fluctuations in the price of the Notes prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the underlying asset.

You are willing to invest in the Notes based on the downside threshold (and corresponding buffer) and coupon rate specified on the cover hereof.

You are willing to forgo any dividends paid on the underlying asset.

You are willing to hold the Notes to maturity and accept that there may be little or no secondary market for the Notes.

You 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 Notes, and understand that if UBS defaults on its obligations you may not receive any payment due to you including any repayment of principal.

You understand that the estimated initial value of the Notes determined by our internal pricing models is lower than the issue price and that should UBS Securities LLC or any affiliate make secondary markets for the Notes, the price (not including their customary bid-ask spreads) will temporarily exceed the internal pricing model price.

 

The Notes may not be suitable for you if:

You do not fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Notes, including the risk of loss of some or almost all of your initial investment.

You require an investment designed to provide a full return of principal at maturity.

You cannot tolerate a loss of some or almost all of your initial investment or you are not willing to make an investment that may have downside market risk similar to that of an investment in the underlying asset, subject to the buffer.

You believe that the final level is likely to be less than the downside threshold.

You seek an investment that participates in the appreciation in the level of the underlying asset or that has unlimited return potential.

You cannot tolerate fluctuations in the price of the Notes prior to maturity that may be similar to or exceed the downside fluctuations in the level of the underlying asset.

You are not willing to invest in the Notes based on the downside threshold (and corresponding buffer) or coupon rate specified on the cover hereof.

You prefer to receive any dividends paid on the underlying asset.

You are unable or unwilling to hold the Notes to maturity or you seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.

You 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 Notes, including any repayment of principal.


The suitability considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the Notes 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 Notes in light of your particular circumstances. You should review “Information About the Underlying Asset” herein for more information on the underlying asset. You should also review carefully the “Key Risks” section herein for risks related to an investment in the Notes.


1

 

Preliminary Terms


Issuer

UBS AG London Branch

Principal Amount

$1,000 per Note

Term

Approximately 12 months.

Underlying
Asset

The common stock of Expedia Group, Inc.

Coupon Payments

UBS will pay interest on the principal amount of the Notes in arrears in equal installments on each coupon payment date (including the maturity date) regardless of the performance of the underlying asset.

The coupon is a fixed amount based upon equal periodic installments at a per annum rate (the “coupon rate”). The table below sets forth the coupon rate and coupon for each Note that will be paid on each coupon payment date.

 

Coupon Rate

Coupon

 

10.65%

$8.875

 

Payment
at Maturity (per Note)

If the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment equal to:

Principal Amount of $1,000

If 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

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.

Buffer

20.00%

Initial Level(1)

The initial level of the underlying asset was determined by the calculation agent on the strike date and is not equal to the actual closing level of the underlying asset on the strike date or trade date, as specified on the cover hereof. The initial level of the underlying asset is lower than the closing level of the underlying asset on the strike date.

Final Level(1)

The closing level of the underlying asset on the final valuation date.

(1) As determined by the calculation agent and as may be adjusted in the case of certain adjustment events as described under “General Terms of the Securities — Antidilution Adjustments for Securities Linked to an Underlying Equity or Equity Basket Asset”, “— Reorganization Events for Securities Linked to an Underlying Equity or Equity Basket Asset” and “— Delisting of, Suspension of Trading in, or Change in Law Affecting, an Underlying Equity” in the accompanying product supplement.


 


2

 

Investment Timeline

Strike Date

 

The initial level of the underlying asset is determined based on observed levels of the underlying asset on the strike date and the final terms of the Notes are set.

 

 

 

 

 

Each Coupon Payment Date

 

UBS pays the applicable coupon.

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity Date

 

The final level is observed on the final valuation date and the underlying return is calculated.

If the final level is equal to or greater than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note equal to:

Principal Amount of $1,000

If the final level is less than the downside threshold, UBS will pay you a cash payment per Note 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.

 

 

Investing in the Notes involves significant risks. You may lose some or almost all of your initial investment. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any payments owed to you under the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment. You will lose some or almost all of your initial investment if the final level is less than the downside threshold.

3

 

Coupon Payment Dates(1)

Coupon Payment Dates

May 21, 2024

June 21, 2024

July 19, 2024

August 21, 2024

September 19, 2024

October 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

December 19, 2024

January 22, 2025

February 21, 2025

March 20, 2025

Maturity Date

(1)Subject to the market disruption event provisions set forth in the accompanying product supplement.

4

 

Key Risks

An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset. Some of the key risks that apply to the Notes are summarized below, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the Notes 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 Notes.

Risks Relating to Return Characteristics

Risk of loss at maturity — The Notes differ from ordinary debt securities in that UBS will not necessarily repay the full principal amount of the Notes at maturity. 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.

The stated payout from the issuer applies only if you hold your Notes to maturity — You should be willing to hold your Notes to maturity. If you are able to sell your Notes prior to maturity in the secondary market, 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. All payments on the Notes are subject to the creditworthiness of UBS.

The initial level was determined by the calculation agent on the strike date based on observed levels of the underlying asset at the time selected by the calculation agent and is lower than the closing level of the underlying asset on the strike date The initial level was determined by the calculation agent on the strike date based on observed levels of the underlying asset at the time selected by the calculation agent. As a result, the initial level is lower than the closing level of the underlying asset on the strike date. Any hedging or trading activities on or prior to the strike date may have adversely affected the initial level and, as a result, the downside threshold.

Your potential return on the Notes is limited to the coupon payments, you will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying asset and you will not receive dividend payments on the underlying asset or have the same rights as holders of the underlying asset — Your return on the Notes is limited to the coupons paid and you will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying asset, even though you will be exposed to the downside market risk of the underlying asset if the final level is less than the downside threshold. As a result, the return on an investment in the Notes could be less than the return on a hypothetical investment in the underlying asset. In addition, as an owner of the Notes, you will not receive or be entitled to receive any dividend payments or other distributions on the underlying asset during the term of the Notes, and any such dividends or distributions will not be factored into the calculation of any payments on your Notes. Similarly, you will not have voting rights or any other rights of a holder of the underlying asset.

A higher coupon rate or lower downside threshold may reflect greater expected volatility of the underlying asset, and greater expected volatility generally indicates an increased risk of loss at maturity — The economic terms for the Notes, including the coupon rate and downside threshold, are based, in part, on the expected volatility of the underlying asset at the time the terms of the Notes are set. “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 strike 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. All things being equal, this greater expected volatility will generally be reflected in a higher coupon rate than the yield payable on our conventional debt securities with a similar maturity or on otherwise comparable securities, and/or a lower downside threshold than that on otherwise comparable securities. Therefore, a relatively higher coupon rate may indicate an increased risk of loss. Further, a relatively lower downside threshold may not necessarily indicate that the Notes 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.

Risks Relating to Characteristics of the Underlying Asset

Single equity risk — The return on the Notes, which may be negative, is directly linked to the performance of the underlying asset. The level of the underlying asset can rise or fall sharply due to factors specific to the underlying asset and its issuer (the “underlying asset issuer”), 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 Notes, should conduct your own investigation into the underlying asset issuer and the underlying asset for your Notes. For additional information regarding the underlying asset and the underlying asset issuer, please see “Information About the Underlying Asset” herein and the underlying asset issuer’s SEC filings referred to in that section. We urge you to review financial and other information filed periodically by the underlying asset issuer with the SEC.

There can be no assurance that the investment view implicit in the Notes will be successful — It is impossible to predict whether and the extent to which the level of the underlying asset will rise or fall. There can be no assurance that the final level will be equal to or greater than the 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 asset issuer. You should be willing to accept the downside risks of owning equities in general and the underlying asset in particular, and the risk of losing some or almost all of your initial investment.

There is no affiliation between the underlying asset issuer and UBS, and UBS is not responsible for any disclosure by such issuer — We are not affiliated with the underlying asset issuer. We and our affiliates may currently, or from time to time in the future engage in business with the underlying asset issuer. However, we are not affiliated with the underlying asset issuer and are not responsible for such underlying asset issuer’s public disclosure of information, whether contained in SEC filings or otherwise. You, as an investor in the Notes, should conduct your own investigation into the underlying asset and the underlying asset issuer. The underlying asset issuer is not involved in the Notes offered hereby in any way and has no obligation to take your interests into consideration for any reason, including when taking any corporate actions that might affect the market value of, and return on, your Notes.

Estimated Value Considerations

The issue price you pay for the Notes will exceed their estimated initial value — The issue price you pay for the Notes will exceed their estimated initial value as of the trade date due to the inclusion in the issue price of the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance 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 Notes 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 Notes incorporate certain variables, including the level and volatility of the underlying asset, any expected dividends on the underlying asset, prevailing interest rates, the term of the Notes and our internal funding rate. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay to issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities of a similar term. The underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance and other costs, projected profits and the difference in rates will reduce the economic value of the Notes to you. Due to these factors, the estimated initial value of the Notes as of the trade date will be less than the issue price you pay for the Notes.

5

 

The estimated initial value is a theoretical price; the actual price at which you may be able to sell your Notes in any secondary market (if any) at any time after the trade date may differ from the estimated initial value — The value of your Notes at any time will vary based on many factors, including the factors described above and in “— Risks Relating to Characteristics of the Underlying Asset — Single equity risk” above and is impossible to predict. Furthermore, the pricing models that we use are proprietary and rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, after the trade date, if you attempt to sell the Notes in the secondary market, the actual value you would receive may differ, perhaps materially, from the estimated initial value of the Notes determined by reference to our internal pricing models. The estimated initial value of the Notes does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in any secondary market at any time.

Our actual profits may be greater or less than the differential between the estimated initial value and the issue price of the Notes as of the trade date — We may determine the economic terms of the Notes, as well as hedge our obligations, at least in part, prior to the trade date. In addition, there may be ongoing costs to us to maintain and/or adjust any hedges and such hedges are often imperfect. Therefore, our actual profits (or potentially, losses) in issuing the Notes cannot be determined as of the trade date and any such differential between the estimated initial value and the issue price of the Notes as of the trade date does not reflect our actual profits. Ultimately, our actual profits will be known only at the maturity of the Notes.

Risks Relating to Liquidity and Secondary Market Price Considerations

There may be little or no secondary market for the Notes — The Notes will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network. There can be no assurance that a secondary market for the Notes will develop. UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market in the Notes and may stop making a market at any time. If you are able to sell your Notes prior to maturity you may have to sell them at a substantial loss. The estimated initial value of the Notes does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in any secondary market at any time.

The price at which UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates may offer to buy the Notes in the secondary market (if any) may be greater than UBS’ valuation of the Notes at that time, greater than any other secondary market prices provided by unaffiliated dealers (if any) and, depending on your broker, greater than the valuation provided on your customer account statements — For a limited period of time following the issuance of the Notes, UBS Securities LLC or its affiliates may offer to buy or sell such Notes at a price that exceeds (i) our valuation of the Notes at that time based on our internal pricing models, (ii) any secondary market prices provided by unaffiliated dealers (if any) and (iii) depending on your broker, the valuation provided on customer account statements. The price that UBS Securities LLC may initially offer to buy such Notes following issuance will exceed the valuations indicated by our internal pricing models due to the inclusion for a limited period of time of the aggregate value of the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance costs and theoretical projected trading profit. The portion of such amounts included in our price will decline to zero on a straight line basis over a period ending no later than the date specified under “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any).” Thereafter, if UBS Securities LLC or an affiliate makes secondary markets in the Notes, it will do so at prices that reflect our estimated value determined by reference to our internal pricing models at that time. The temporary positive differential relative to our internal pricing models arises from requests from and arrangements made by UBS Securities LLC with the selling agents of structured debt securities such as the Notes. As described above, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required, to make a market for the Notes and may stop making a market at any time. The price at which UBS Securities LLC or an affiliate may make secondary markets at any time (if at all) will also reflect its then current bid-ask spread for similar sized trades of structured debt securities. UBS Securities LLC reflects this temporary positive differential on its customer statements. Investors should inquire as to the valuation provided on customer account statements provided by unaffiliated dealers.

Economic and market factors affecting the terms and market price of Notes prior to maturity — Because structured notes, including the Notes, can be thought of as having a debt component and a derivative component, factors that influence the values of debt instruments and options and other derivatives will also affect the terms and features of the Notes at issuance and the market price of the Notes prior to maturity. These factors include the level of the underlying asset; the volatility of the underlying asset; any expected dividends on the underlying asset; the time remaining to the maturity of the Notes; interest rates in the markets; geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, force majeure and regulatory or judicial events; the creditworthiness of UBS; the then current bid-ask spread for the Notes 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 Notes in any secondary market.

Risks Relating to Hedging Activities and Conflicts of Interest

Potential conflicts of interest — UBS and its affiliates may engage in business with the underlying asset issuer, which may present a conflict between the interests of UBS and you, as a holder of the Notes. There are also potential conflicts of interest between you and the calculation agent, which will be an affiliate of UBS. The calculation agent will determine the payment at maturity of the Notes based on observed closing levels of the underlying asset. The calculation agent can postpone the determination of the terms of the Notes if a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on the strike date or the final valuation date. As UBS determines the economic terms of the Notes, including the coupon rate and downside threshold (and corresponding buffer), and such terms include the underwriting discount, hedging costs, issuance and other costs and projected profits, the Notes represent a package of economic terms. There are other potential conflicts of interest insofar as an investor could potentially get better economic terms if that investor entered into exchange-traded and/or OTC derivatives or other instruments with third parties, assuming that such instruments were available and the investor had the ability to assemble and enter into such instruments. Additionally, UBS and its affiliates act in various capacities with respect to the Notes, including as a principal, agent or dealer in connection with the sale of the Notes. Such affiliates, and any other third-party dealers, will derive compensation from the distribution of the Notes and such compensation may serve as an incentive to sell these Notes instead of other investments. Furthermore, given that UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates temporarily maintain a market making premium, it may have the effect of discouraging UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates from recommending sale of your Notes in the secondary market.

Following certain events, the calculation agent can make adjustments to the underlying asset and the terms of the Notes that may adversely affect the market value of, and return on, the Notes — Following certain events affecting the underlying asset, the calculation agent may make adjustments to the initial level, downside threshold and/or final level, as applicable, and any other term of the Notes and, in some instances, may replace such underlying asset. However, the calculation agent will not make an adjustment in response to every event that could affect the underlying asset. If an event occurs that does not require the calculation agent to make an adjustment, the market value of, and return on, the Notes may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, all determinations and calculations concerning any such adjustments will be made by the calculation agent. You should be aware that the calculation agent may make any such adjustment, determination or calculation in a manner that differs from that discussed in the accompanying product supplement or herein as necessary to achieve an equitable result. Following certain events relating to the underlying asset issuer, such as a reorganization event or a delisting or suspension of trading, the determination the amount you receive at maturity may be based on the equity security of a successor to

6

 

such underlying asset issuer in combination with any cash or any other assets distributed to holders of such underlying asset, if applicable, or on the common stock issued by another company. The occurrence of any such event and the consequent adjustments may materially and adversely affect the value of, and return on, the Notes. For more information, see the sections “General Terms of the Securities — Antidilution Adjustments for Securities Linked to an Underlying Equity or Equity Basket Asset”, “— Reorganization Events for Securities Linked to an Underlying Equity or Equity Basket Asset” and “— Delisting of, Suspension of Trading in, or Change in Law Affecting, an Underlying Equity” in the accompanying product supplement.

Potential UBS impact on price — Trading or transactions by UBS or its affiliates in the underlying asset, listed and/or over-the-counter options, futures, exchange-traded funds or other instruments with returns linked to the performance of the underlying asset, may adversely affect the level of the underlying asset and, therefore, the market value of, and return on, the Notes.

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 Notes, or express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes. Any research, opinions or recommendations expressed by UBS or its affiliates may not be consistent with each other and may be modified from time to time without notice. Investors should make their own independent investigation of the merits of investing in the Notes and the underlying asset.

Risks Relating to General Credit Characteristics

Credit risk of UBS — The Notes are unsubordinated, unsecured debt obligations of UBS and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. Any payment to be made on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, depends on the ability of UBS to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, UBS’ actual and perceived creditworthiness may affect the market value of the Notes. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any payment owed to you under the terms of the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment.

The Notes are not bank deposits — An investment in the Notes carries risks which are very different from the risk profile of a bank deposit placed with UBS or its affiliates. The Notes have different yield and/or return, liquidity and risk profiles and would not benefit from any protection provided to deposits.

If UBS experiences financial difficulties, FINMA has the power to open restructuring or liquidation proceedings in respect of, and/or impose protective measures in relation to, UBS, which proceedings or measures may have a material adverse effect on the terms and market value of the Notes and/or the ability of UBS to make payments thereunder — The Swiss 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.

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 Notes) to another entity, (b) a stay (for a maximum of two business days) on the termination of contracts to which UBS is a party, and/or the exercise of (w) rights to terminate, (x) netting rights, (y) rights to enforce or dispose of collateral or (z) rights to transfer claims, liabilities or collateral under contracts to which UBS is a party, (c) the partial or full conversion of UBS’ debt and/or other obligations, including its obligations under the Notes, into equity (a “debt-to-equity” swap), and/or (d) the partial or full write-off of obligations owed by UBS (a “write-off”), including its obligations under the Notes. Prior to any debt-to-equity swap or write-off with respect to any Notes, 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 Notes; 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 Notes 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 Notes. 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 Notes, the price or value of their investment in the Notes and/or the ability of UBS to satisfy its obligations under the Notes and could lead to holders losing some or all of their investment in the Notes.

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 Notes 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 Notes 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 Notes 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 Notes are uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor about your tax situation. See “What Are the Tax Consequences of the Notes?” herein and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Investment Units Containing a Debt Instrument and a Put Option Contract”, in the accompanying product supplement.

7

 

Hypothetical Examples of How the Notes Might Perform

The below table is 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 below illustrate the payment at maturity for a $1,000 Note on a hypothetical offering of the Notes, with the following assumptions (amounts may have been rounded for ease of reference):

Principal Amount:

$1,000 per Note

Term:

Approximately 12 months

Coupon Rate:

6.00% per annum (or 0.50% per month)

Coupon:

$5.00 per month

Downside Threshold:

80.00% of the Initial Level

Buffer:

20.00%

 

Underlying Asset

The Hypothetical Final Level is Equal to or Greater Than the Hypothetical Downside Threshold

The Hypothetical Final Level is Less Than the Hypothetical Downside Threshold

Hypothetical Final Level (Expressed as a Percentage of the Hypothetical Initial Level)

Underlying Return

Total Payment at Maturity + Coupon Payments

Total Return on the Notes

Total Payment at Maturity + Coupon Payments

Total Return on the Notes

140.00%

40.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

135.00%

35.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

130.00%

30.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

125.00%

25.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

120.00%

20.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

115.00%

15.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

110.00%

10.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

105.00%

5.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

100.00%

0.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

95.00%

-5.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

90.00%

-10.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

80.00%

-20.00%

$1,060.00

6.00%

n/a

n/a

70.00%

-30.00%

n/a

n/a

$960.00

-4.00%

60.00%

-40.00%

n/a

n/a

$860.00

-14.00%

50.00%

-50.00%

n/a

n/a

$760.00

-24.00%

40.00%

-60.00%

n/a

n/a

$660.00

-34.00%

30.00%

-70.00%

n/a

n/a

$560.00

-44.00%

20.00%

-80.00%

n/a

n/a

$460.00

-54.00%

10.00%

-90.00%

n/a

n/a

$360.00

-64.00%

0.00%

-100.00%

n/a

n/a

$260.00

-74.00%

Investing in the Notes involves significant risks. The Notes differ from ordinary debt securities in that UBS is not necessarily obligated to repay the full amount of your initial investment. 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.

In exchange for receiving a coupon on the Notes, you are accepting the risk of losing some or almost all of your initial investment at maturity. If the final level is less than the downside threshold, you will lose some or almost all of your initial investment at maturity. Any payment on the Notes, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS. If UBS were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any payments owed to you under the Notes and you could lose all of your initial investment.

8

 

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 issuer. 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.

The underlying asset is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, each as amended. Companies with securities registered with the SEC are required to file financial and other information specified by the SEC periodically. Information filed by the underlying asset issuer with the SEC can be reviewed electronically through a website maintained by the SEC. The address of the SEC’s website is http://www.sec.gov. Information filed with the SEC can be located by reference to its SEC file number provided below.

Expedia Group, Inc.

According to publicly available information, Expedia Group, Inc. (“Expedia”) is an online travel company that operates a marketplace and tools for consumers to research, plan and book travel. Information filed by Expedia with the SEC can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-37429, or its CIK Code: 0001324424. Expedia’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “EXPE”.

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 Expedia’s common stock from January 1, 2014 through April 16, 2024, 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 publicly available information obtained from Bloomberg. The closing level of Expedia’s common stock on April 16, 2024 was $128.94. The initial level is $128.9055 and was determined by the calculation agent on the strike date based on observed levels of the underlying asset on the strike date at the time selected by the calculation agent and is lower than its closing level on the strike date. The dotted line represents the downside threshold of $103.1244, which is equal to 80.00% of the initial level. Past performance of the underlying asset is not indicative of the future performance of the underlying asset during the term of the Notes.

9

 

What Are the Tax Consequences of the Notes?

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Notes are uncertain. There are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as the Notes. Some of these tax consequences are summarized below, but we urge you to read the more detailed discussion in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Investment Units Containing a Debt Instrument and a Put Option Contract”, 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 Notes, and the following discussion is not binding on the IRS.

U.S. Tax Consequences. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Notes are complex and uncertain. By purchasing a Note, you and UBS hereby agree (in the absence of a statutory or regulatory change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary) to characterize a Note for all tax purposes as an investment unit consisting of a non-contingent debt instrument and a put option contract in respect of the underlying asset. The terms of the Notes require (in the absence of a statutory or regulatory change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary) that you treat your Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes as consisting of two components:

Debt component — We intend to treat the debt component as having a term of one year or less, so that the amounts treated as interest on the debt component would be subject to the general rules governing interest payments on short-term notes and would be required to be accrued by accrual-basis taxpayers (and cash-basis taxpayers who elect to accrue interest currently) on either the straight-line method, or, if elected, the constant yield method, compounded daily. Cash-basis taxpayers who do not elect to accrue interest currently would include interest in income upon receipt of such interest.

Put option component — The put option component would generally not be taxed until the taxable disposition or maturity of the Notes. At such time, the put option component should be taxed as short term capital gain if the principal amount is repaid or, if the final level is less than the downside threshold, the put option will be exercised at maturity and you will recognize short-term capital gain or loss equal to (i) the amount of cash received less (ii) the principal amount of your Notes less the total of the put option component of coupon payments received by you.

With respect to coupon payments you receive, you agree to treat such payments as consisting of interest on the debt component and a payment with respect to the put option as follows:

Coupon Rate

Interest on Debt Component

(to be determined on the trade date)

Put Option Component

(to be determined on the trade date)

10.65% per annum

[●]% per annum

[●]% per annum

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the underlying asset issuer would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code or as a “United States real property holding corporation” (a “USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. If any such entity were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply, to a U.S. holder in the case of a PFIC and to a non-U.S. holder in the case of a USRPHC, upon the taxable disposition of a Note. Both U.S. holders and non-U.S. holders should refer to information filed with the SEC or the equivalent governmental authority by any such entity and consult their tax advisors regarding the possible consequences to them in the event that any such entity is or becomes a PFIC or USRPHC.

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 Notes as described above. However, in light of the uncertainty as to the U.S. federal income tax treatment, it is possible that your Notes could be treated as a single contingent payment debt instrument, or pursuant to some other characterization, such that the timing and character of your income from the Notes could differ materially and adversely from the treatment described above. Because of this uncertainty, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment in the Notes and to read the discussion in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Investment Units Containing a Debt Instrument and a Put Option Contract”, in the accompanying product supplement for a more detailed description of the tax treatment of your Notes.

Except to the extent otherwise required by law, UBS intends to treat your Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described above and under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”, including the section “— Securities Treated as Investment Units Containing a Debt Instrument and a Put Option Contract”, in the accompanying product supplement unless and until such time as some other treatment is more appropriate.

Notice 2008-2. In 2007, the IRS released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the Notes. According to Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury are actively considering the appropriate tax treatment of holders of certain types of structured notes. Legislation has also been proposed in Congress that would require the holders of certain prepaid forward contracts to accrue income during the term of the transaction. It is not clear whether the Notice applies to instruments such as the Notes. Furthermore, it is not possible to determine what guidance or legislation will ultimately result, if any, and whether such guidance or legislation will affect the tax treatment of the Notes.

Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or certain trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which may include any income or gain realized with respect to the Notes, to the extent of their net investment income that when added to their other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return or the dollar amount at which the highest tax bracket begins for an estate or trust. The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the income tax. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of the 3.8% Medicare tax.

Specified Foreign Financial Assets. U.S. holders may be subject to reporting obligations with respect to their Notes if they do not hold their Notes in an account maintained by a financial institution and the aggregate value of their Notes and certain other “specified foreign financial assets” (applying certain attribution rules) exceeds an applicable threshold. Significant penalties can apply if a U.S. holder is required to disclose its Notes and fails to do so.

10

 

Non-U.S. Holders. If you are a non U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) of the Code and “FATCA,” discussed below, you should generally not be subject to U.S. withholding tax with respect to payments on your Notes or to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your Notes if you comply with certain certification and identification requirements as to your non U.S. status (by providing us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) with a fully completed and validly executed applicable IRS Form W-8). Subject to Section 897 of the Code, discussed above, and Section 871(m) of the Code, discussed below, gain realized from the taxable disposition of a Note generally should not be subject to U.S. tax unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S., (ii) the non-U.S. holder is a non-resident alien individual and is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of such taxable disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied or (iii) the non-U.S. holder has certain other present or former connections with the U.S.

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. 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, 2025.

Based on our determination that the Notes are not “delta-one” with respect to the underlying asset, our special U.S. tax counsel is of the opinion that the Notes should not be delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and thus should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Furthermore, the application of Section 871(m) of the Code will depend on our determinations on the date the terms of the Notes 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 Notes could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying asset or your Notes, and following such occurrence your Notes could be treated as delta-one specified equity-linked instruments that are subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. It is also possible that withholding tax or other tax under Section 871(m) of the Code could apply to the Notes under these rules if you enter, or have entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the underlying asset or the Notes. If you enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the underlying asset or the Notes, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to your Notes in the context of your other transactions.

Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the Notes, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the Notes.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) was enacted on March 18, 2010, and imposes a 30% U.S. withholding tax on “withholdable payments” (i.e., certain U.S. -source payments, including interest (and original issue discount), dividends, other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S.-source interest or dividends) and “passthru payments” (i.e., certain payments attributable to withholdable payments) made to certain foreign financial institutions (and certain of their affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees (or is required), among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account of the institution (or the relevant affiliate) and to annually report certain information about such account. FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or do not certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

Pursuant to final and temporary Treasury regulations and other IRS guidance, the withholding and reporting requirements under FATCA will generally apply to certain “withholdable payments”, will not apply to gross proceeds on a sale or disposition, and will apply to certain foreign passthru payments only to the extent that such payments are made after the date that is two years after final regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payment” are published. If withholding is required, we (or the applicable paying agent) will not be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.

Investors should consult their tax advisors about the application of FATCA, in particular if they may be classified as financial institutions (or if they hold their Notes through a foreign entity) under the FATCA rules.

Proposed Legislation. In 2007, legislation was proposed in Congress that, if it had been enacted, would have required accrual of income on certain prepaid forward contracts prior to maturity.

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 put option component of the Notes to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.

It is not possible to predict whether any similar or identical bills will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your Notes. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the possible changes in law and their possible impact on the tax treatment of your Notes.

Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations, as well as any tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of the Notes, arising under the laws of any state, local, non-U.S. or other taxing jurisdiction.

11

 

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any)

We will agree to sell to UBS Securities LLC, and UBS Securities LLC will agree to purchase, all of the Notes at the issue price to the public less the underwriting discount indicated on the cover hereof. UBS Securities LLC intends to resell the Notes 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 Notes 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 Notes from a third-party dealer at a purchase price of at least $998.00 per Note, 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 Notes, thus creating an additional conflict of interest within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. Consequently, the offering is being conducted in compliance with the provisions of FINRA Rule 5121. UBS Securities LLC is not permitted to sell Notes in this offering to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of the account holder.

UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates may offer to buy or sell the Notes in the secondary market (if any) at prices greater than UBS’ internal valuation — The value of the Notes at any time will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted. However, the price (not including UBS Securities LLC’s or any affiliates’ customary bid-ask spreads) at which UBS Securities LLC or any affiliate would offer to buy or sell the Notes immediately after the trade date in the secondary market is expected to exceed the estimated initial value of the Notes as determined by reference to our internal pricing models. The amount of the excess will decline to zero on a straight line basis over a period ending no later than 6 months after the trade date, provided that UBS Securities LLC may shorten the period based on various factors, including the magnitude of purchases and other negotiated provisions with selling agents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliates intend, but are not required to make a market for the Notes and may stop making a market at any time. For more information about secondary market offers and the estimated initial value of the Notes, see “Key Risks — Estimated Value Considerations” and “— Risks Relating to Liquidity and Secondary Market Price Considerations” herein.

Prohibition of Sales to EEA & UK Retail Investors — The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation.

The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the 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 Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.



12

 

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this preliminary pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these Notes in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this preliminary pricing supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Preliminary Pricing Supplement

 

 

Investment Description

i

 

Features

i

 

Key Dates

i

 

Note Offering

i

 

Additional Information About UBS and the Notes

ii

 

Investor Suitability

1

 

Preliminary Terms

2

 

Investment Timeline

3

 

Coupon Payment Dates

4

 

Key Risks

5

 

Hypothetical Examples of How the Notes Might Perform

9

 

Information About the Underlying Asset

10

 

What Are the Tax Consequences of the Notes?

11

 

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest); Secondary Markets (if any)

13

 

Product Supplement

 

 

Product Supplement Summary

PS-1

 

Specific Terms of Each Security Will Be Described in the Applicable Supplements

PS-1

 

The Securities are Part of a Series

PS-1

 

Denomination

PS-2

 

Coupons

PS-2

 

Early Redemption

PS-3

 

Payment at Maturity for the Securities

PS-3

 

Defined Terms Relating to Payment on the Securities

PS-4

 

Valuation Dates

PS-5

 

Valuation Periods

PS-6

 

Payment Dates

PS-6

 

Closing Level

PS-7

 

Intraday Level

PS-7

 

What are the Tax Consequences of the Securities?

PS-8

 

Risk Factors

PS-9

 

General Terms of the Securities

PS-26

 

Use of Proceeds and Hedging

PS-52

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

PS-53

 

Certain ERISA Considerations

PS-76

 

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)

PS-77

 

 

Prospectus

 

 

Introduction

1

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

3

 

Incorporation of Information About UBS AG

4

 

Where You Can Find More Information

5

 

Presentation of Financial Information

6

 

Limitations on Enforcement of U.S. Laws Against UBS AG, Its Management and Others

6

 

UBS

6

 

Swiss Regulatory Powers

9

 

Use of Proceeds

10

 

Description of Debt Securities We May Offer

10

 

Description of Warrants We May Offer

31

 

Legal Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance

47

 

Considerations Relating to Indexed Securities

52

 

Considerations Relating to Floating Rate Securities

55

 

Considerations Relating to Securities Denominated or Payable in or Linked to a Non-U.S. Dollar Currency

57

 

U.S. Tax Considerations

59

 

Tax Considerations Under the Laws of Switzerland

70

 

Benefit Plan Investor Considerations

72

 

Plan of Distribution

73

 

Validity of the Securities

76

 

Experts

76

 

$• UBS AG

Buffer Yield Notes due April 22, 2025

Preliminary Pricing Supplement dated April 17, 2024
(To Product Supplement dated May 27, 2022
and Prospectus dated May 27, 2022)

UBS Investment Bank
UBS Securities LLC


13