Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Statement No. 333-219206

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

 

Subject to Completion. Dated April 18, 2019.

The notes will not bear interest. The amount that you will be paid on your notes on the stated maturity date (expected to be June 30, 2020) is based on the performance of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ETF) as measured from the trade date (expected to be April 25, 2019) to and including the determination date (expected to be June 25, 2020).

The return on your notes is linked to the performance of the ETF, and not to that of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (index) on which the ETF is based. The ETF follows a strategy of "representative sampling", which means the ETF’s holdings are not the same as those of the index. The performance of the ETF may significantly diverge from that of the index.

If the final ETF price (the closing price of the ETF on the determination date) is greater than the initial ETF price (the closing price of the ETF on the trade date), then the return on the notes will be positive and equal the product of the ETF return (the percentage increase or decrease in the final ETF price from the initial ETF price) multiplied by 3.0, subject to the maximum settlement amount (expected to be between $11.78 and $11.88 for each $10 face amount of your notes). If the final ETF price is less than the initial ETF price, the return on your notes will be negative. You could receive less than the face amount of your notes at maturity and you will lose your entire investment in the notes if the final ETF price is zero.

At maturity, for each $10 face amount of your notes you will receive an amount in cash equal to:

In addition, any sales prior to maturity could result in a loss even if the price of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is greater than the initial ETF price at the time of such sale.

You should read the disclosure herein to better understand the terms and risks of your investment, including the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. See page S-11.

The estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date is expected to be between $9.45 and $9.75 per $10 face amount. For a discussion of the estimated value and the price at which Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC would initially buy or sell your notes, if it makes a market in the notes, see the following page.

 

*UBS Financial Services Inc., the selling agent, will receive a selling concession not in excess of 2.00% of the face amount.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this 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, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank.

Prospectus Supplement No.      dated         , 2019.

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The issue price, underwriting discount and net proceeds listed above relate to the notes we sell initially. We may decide to sell additional notes after the date of this prospectus supplement, at issue prices and with underwriting discounts and net proceeds that differ from the amounts set forth above. The return (whether positive or negative) on your investment in notes will depend in part on the issue price you pay for such notes.

GS Finance Corp. may use this prospectus in the initial sale of the notes. In addition, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any other affiliate of GS Finance Corp. may use this prospectus in a market-making transaction in a note after its initial sale. Unless GS Finance Corp. or its agent informs the purchaser otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this prospectus is being used in a market-making transaction.

 

 

 

 

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SUMMARY INFORMATION

Key Terms

Issuer: GS Finance Corp.

Guarantor: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Underlying ETF: the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (Bloomberg symbol, “EEM UP Equity”), see “The Underlying ETF” on page S-31

Underlying index: the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, as published by MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”)

Specified currency: U.S. dollars (“$”)

Face amount: each note will have a face amount of $10; $      in the aggregate for all the offered notes; the aggregate face amount of the offered notes may be increased if the issuer, at its sole option, decides to sell an additional amount of the offered notes on a date subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement

Denominations: $10 and integral multiples of $10 in excess thereof

Minimum purchase amount: in connection with the initial offering of the notes, the minimum face amount of notes that may be purchased by any investor is $1,000

Supplemental plan of distribution: GS Finance Corp. expects to agree to sell to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (“GS&Co.”), and GS&Co. expects to agree to purchase from GS Finance Corp., the aggregate face amount of the offered notes specified on the front cover of this prospectus supplement. GS&Co. proposes initially to offer the notes to the public at the original issue price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, and to UBS Financial Services Inc. at such price less a concession not in excess of 2.00% of the face amount. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” on page S-48

Cash settlement amount: on the stated maturity date, for each $10 face amount of your notes you will receive an amount in cash equal to:

Purchase at amount other than face amount: the amount we will pay you at the stated maturity date for your notes will not be adjusted based on the issue price you pay for your notes, so if you acquire notes at

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a premium (or discount) to face amount and hold them to the stated maturity date, it could affect your investment in a number of ways. The return on your investment in such notes will be lower (or higher) than it would have been had you purchased the notes at face amount. Additionally, the cap level (the price of the underlying ETF at or above which the maximum settlement amount is payable), would be reached at a lower (or higher) percentage return than indicated below, relative to your initial investment. See “Additional Risk Factors Specific to Your Notes —If You Purchase Your Notes at a Premium to Face Amount, the Return on Your Investment Will Be Lower Than the Return on Notes Purchased at Face Amount and the Impact of Certain Key Terms of the Notes Will be Negatively Affected”

Supplemental discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences: you will be obligated pursuant to the terms of the notes — in the absence of a change in law, an administrative determination or a judicial ruling to the contrary — to characterize each note for all tax purposes as a pre-paid derivative contract in respect of the underlying ETF, as described under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” herein. Pursuant to this approach, it is the opinion of Sidley Austin llp that upon the sale, exchange or maturity of your notes, it would be reasonable for you to recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash you receive at such time and your tax basis in your notes. No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how your notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain and alternative characterizations are possible. The Internal Revenue Service might assert that a treatment other than that described above is more appropriate (including on a retroactive basis) and the timing and character of income in respect of the notes might differ from the treatment described above.

Trade date: expected to be April 25, 2019

Original issue date (settlement date) (to be set on the trade date): expected to be April 30, 2019

Initial underlying ETF price (to be set on the trade date): the closing price of the underlying ETF on the trade date

Final underlying ETF price: the closing price of the underlying ETF on the determination date, subject to anti-dilution adjustments as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Anti-dilution Adjustments” on page S-26, except in the limited circumstances described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Payment of Principal on Stated Maturity Date — Consequences of a Market Disruption Event or a Non-Trading Day” on page S-25 and subject to adjustment as provided under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Payment of Principal on Stated Maturity Date — Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” on page S-25

Closing price: as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Special Calculation Provisions — Closing Price” on page S-27, subject to anti-dilution adjustments as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Anti-dilution Adjustments” on page S-26

Underlying ETF return: the quotient of (i) the final underlying ETF price minus the initial underlying ETF price divided by (ii) the initial underlying ETF price, expressed as a positive or negative percentage

Upside gearing: 3.0

Cap level (to be set on the trade date): expected to be between approximately 105.933% and approximately 106.267% of the initial underlying ETF price. The cap level represents (i) the maximum return (as specified below) divided by the upside gearing plus (ii) 100% and is the price of the underlying ETF at or above which you will receive the maximum settlement amount. If the final underlying ETF price is greater than the cap level (in which case the product of the underlying ETF return times the upside gearing is greater than the maximum return), you will not receive more than the maximum settlement amount

Maximum settlement amount (to be set on the trade date): expected to be between $11.78 and $11.88, which corresponds to an expected maximum return on the notes of between 17.80% and 18.80%

Stated maturity date (to be set on the trade date): expected to be June 30, 2020, subject to adjustment as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Stated Maturity Date” on page S-25

Determination date (to be set on the trade date): expected to be June 25, 2020, subject to adjustment as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Determination Date” on page S-25

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No interest: the notes will not bear interest

No redemption: the notes will not be subject to redemption right or price dependent redemption right

No listing: the notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or interdealer market quotation system

Calculation agent: GS&Co.

Business day: as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Special Calculation Provisions — Business Day” on page S-27

Trading day: as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Special Calculation Provisions — Trading Day” on page S-27

CUSIP no.: 36257D535

ISIN no.: US36257D5352

FDIC: the notes are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank

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HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES

(Hypothetical terms only. Actual terms may vary.)

The following examples are provided for purposes of illustration only. It should not be taken as an indication or prediction of future investment results and is intended merely to illustrate the impact that the various hypothetical final underlying ETF prices on the determination date could have on the cash settlement amount at maturity assuming all other variables remain constant.

The examples below are based on a range of final underlying ETF prices that are entirely hypothetical; no one can predict what the underlying ETF price will be on any day throughout the life of your notes, and no one can predict what the final underlying ETF price will be on the determination date. The underlying ETF has been highly volatile in the past — meaning that the underlying ETF price has changed considerably in relatively short periods — and its performance cannot be predicted for any future period.

The information in the following examples reflects hypothetical rates of return on the offered notes assuming that they are purchased on the original issue date at the face amount and held to the stated maturity date. If you sell your notes in a secondary market prior to the stated maturity date, your return will depend upon the market value of your notes at the time of sale, which may be affected by a number of factors that are not reflected in the examples below, such as interest rates, the volatility of the underlying ETF, the creditworthiness of GS Finance Corp., as issuer, and the creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor. In addition, the estimated value of your notes at the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date (as determined by reference to pricing models used by GS&Co.) is less than the original issue price of your notes. For more information on the estimated value of your notes, see “Additional Risk Factors Specific to Your Notes — The Estimated Value of Your Notes At the Time the Terms of Your Notes Are Set On the Trade Date (as Determined By Reference to Pricing Models Used By GS&Co.) Is Less Than the Original Issue Price Of Your Notes” on page S-11 of this prospectus supplement. The information in the examples also reflects the key terms and assumptions in the box below.

Moreover, we have not yet set the initial underlying ETF price that will serve as the baseline for determining the underlying ETF return and the amount that we will pay on your notes, if any, at maturity. We will not do so until the trade date. As a result, the actual initial underlying ETF price may differ substantially from the underlying ETF price prior to the trade date.

For these reasons, the actual performance of the underlying ETF over the life of your notes, as well as the amount payable at maturity, if any, may bear little relation to the hypothetical examples shown below or to the historical underlying ETF prices shown elsewhere in this prospectus supplement. For information

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about the historical prices of the underlying ETF during recent periods, see “The Underlying ETF — Historical Closing Prices of the Underlying ETF” below. Before investing in the offered notes, you should consult publicly available information to determine the prices of the underlying ETF between the date of this prospectus supplement and the date of your purchase of the offered notes.

Also, the hypothetical examples shown below do not take into account the effects of applicable taxes. Because of the U.S. tax treatment applicable to your notes, tax liabilities could affect the after-tax rate of return on your notes to a comparatively greater extent than the after-tax return on the underlying ETF stocks.

The prices in the left column of the table below represent hypothetical final underlying ETF prices and are expressed as percentages of the initial underlying ETF price. The amounts in the right column represent the hypothetical cash settlement amounts, based on the corresponding hypothetical final underlying ETF price (expressed as a percentage of the initial underlying ETF price), and are expressed as percentages of the face amount of a note (rounded to the nearest one-thousandth of a percent). Thus, a hypothetical cash settlement amount of 100.000% means that the value of the cash payment that we would deliver for each $10 of the outstanding face amount of the offered notes on the stated maturity date would equal 100.000% of the face amount of a note, based on the corresponding hypothetical final underlying ETF price (expressed as a percentage of the initial underlying ETF price) and the assumptions noted above.

 

 

If, for example, the final underlying ETF price were determined to be 25.000% of the initial underlying ETF price, the cash settlement amount that we would deliver on your notes at maturity would be 25.000% of the face amount of your notes, as shown in the table above. As a result, if you purchased your notes on the original issue date at the face amount and held them to the stated maturity date, you would lose 75.000% of your investment, which is proportionate to the decline of the underlying ETF from the trade date to the determination date (if your purchased your notes at a premium to face amount you would lose a correspondingly higher percentage of your investment).

If, however, the final underlying ETF price were determined to be 104.000% of the initial underlying ETF price, the cash settlement amount that we would deliver on your notes at maturity would be 112.000% of the face amount of your notes, as shown in the table above. Because the hypothetical final underlying ETF price is greater than the initial underlying ETF price, the underlying ETF return is enhanced by the upside gearing.

In addition, if the final underlying ETF price were determined to be 140.000% of the initial underlying ETF price, the cash settlement amount that we would deliver on your notes at maturity would be capped at the maximum settlement amount (expressed as a percentage of the face amount), or 117.800% of each $10 face amount of your notes, as shown in the table above. In such case, the maximum return will be 17.80%, which represents the percentage difference between the maximum settlement amount of $11.78 and the face amount of $10. As a result, if you held your notes to the stated maturity date, you would not benefit from any increase in the final underlying ETF price over approximately 105.933% (the cap level) of the initial underlying ETF price. This is because the cap level represents (i) the maximum return of 17.80% divided by the upside gearing of 3.0 plus (ii) 100%.

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The following chart also shows a graphical illustration of the hypothetical cash settlement amounts (expressed as a percentage of the face amount of your notes) that we would pay on your notes on the stated maturity date, if the final underlying ETF price (expressed as a percentage of the initial underlying ETF price) were any of the hypothetical prices shown on the horizontal axis. The chart shows that any hypothetical final underlying ETF price (expressed as a percentage of the initial underlying ETF price) of less than 100.000% (the section left of the 100.000% marker on the horizontal axis) would result in a hypothetical cash settlement amount of less than 100.000% of the face amount of your notes (the section below the 100.000% marker on the vertical axis) and, accordingly, in a loss of principal to the holder of the notes. In addition, the chart shows that any hypothetical final underlying ETF price (expressed as a percentage of the initial underlying ETF price) of greater than 100.000% (the section right of the 100.000% marker on the horizontal axis) but less than approximately 105.933% (the section left of the 105.933% marker on the horizontal axis) would result in the underlying ETF return being enhanced by the upside gearing. The chart also shows that any hypothetical final underlying ETF price (expressed as a percentage of the initial underlying ETF price) of greater than or equal to approximately 105.933% (the section right of the 105.933% marker on the horizontal axis) would result in a capped return on your investment.

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The cash settlement amounts shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on market prices for the underlying ETF that may not be achieved on the determination date and on assumptions that may prove to be erroneous. The actual market value of your notes on the stated maturity date or at any other time, including any time you may wish to sell your notes, may bear little relation to the hypothetical cash settlement amounts shown above, and these amounts should not be viewed as an indication of the financial return on an investment in the offered notes. The hypothetical cash settlement amounts on notes held to the stated maturity date in the examples above assume you purchased your notes at their face amount and have not been adjusted to reflect the actual issue price you pay for your notes. The return on your investment (whether positive or negative) in your notes will be affected by the amount you pay for your notes. If you purchase your notes for a price other than the face amount, the return on your investment will differ from, and may be significantly lower than, the hypothetical returns suggested by the above examples. Please read “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — The Market Value of Your Notes May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors” on page S-13.

Payments on the notes are economically equivalent to the amounts that would be paid on a combination of other instruments. For example, payments on the notes are economically equivalent to a combination of a bond bought by the holder and one or more options entered into between the holder and us. Therefore, the terms of the notes may be impacted by the various factors mentioned on page S-13 in the section “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — The Market Value of Your Notes May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors”. The discussion in this paragraph does not modify or affect the terms of the notes or the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes, as described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement.

 

 

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ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS SPECIFIC TO YOUR NOTES

The Estimated Value of Your Notes At the Time the Terms of Your Notes Are Set On the Trade Date (as Determined By Reference to Pricing Models Used By GS&Co.) Is Less Than the Original Issue Price Of Your Notes

The original issue price for your notes exceeds the estimated value of your notes as of the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date, as determined by reference to GS&Co.’s pricing models and taking into account our credit spreads. Such estimated value on the trade date is set forth above under “Estimated Value of Your Notes”; after the trade date, the estimated value as determined by reference to these models will be affected by changes in market conditions, the creditworthiness of GS Finance Corp., as issuer, the creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor, and other relevant factors. The price at which GS&Co. would initially buy or sell your notes (if GS&Co. makes a market, which it is not obligated to do), and the value that GS&Co. will initially use for account statements and otherwise, also exceeds the estimated value of your notes as determined by reference to these models. As agreed by GS&Co. and the distribution participants, this excess (i.e., the additional amount described under “Estimated Value of Your Notes”) will decline to zero on a straight line basis over the period set forth above under “Estimated Value of Your Notes”. Thereafter, if GS&Co. buys or sells your notes it will do so at prices that reflect the estimated value determined by reference to such pricing models at that time. The price at which GS&Co. will buy or sell your notes at any time also will reflect its then current bid and ask spread for similar sized trades of structured notes.

In estimating the value of your notes as of the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date, as disclosed above under “Estimated Value of Your Notes”, GS&Co.’s pricing models consider certain variables, including principally our credit spreads, interest rates (forecasted, current and historical rates), volatility, price-sensitivity analysis and the time to maturity of the notes. These pricing models are proprietary and rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, the actual value you would receive if you sold your notes in the secondary market, if any, to others may differ, perhaps materially, from the estimated value of your notes determined by reference to our models due to, among other things, any differences in pricing models or assumptions used by others. See “— The Market Value of Your Notes May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors” below.

The difference between the estimated value of your notes as of the time the terms of your notes are set on the trade date and the original issue price is a result of certain factors, including principally the underwriting discount and commissions, the expenses incurred in creating, documenting and marketing the notes, and an estimate of the difference between the amounts we pay to GS&Co. and the amounts GS&Co. pays to us in connection with your notes. We pay to GS&Co. amounts based on what we would pay to holders of a non-structured note with a similar maturity. In return for such payment, GS&Co. pays to us the amounts we owe under your notes.

In addition to the factors discussed above, the value and quoted price of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted. If GS&Co. makes a market in the notes, the price quoted by GS&Co. would reflect any changes in market conditions and other relevant factors, including any deterioration in our creditworthiness or perceived creditworthiness or the creditworthiness or perceived creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. These changes may adversely affect the value of your notes, including the price you may receive for your notes in any market making transaction. To the extent that GS&Co. makes a market in the notes, the quoted price will reflect the estimated value determined by reference to GS&Co.’s pricing models at that time, plus or minus its then current bid and ask spread for similar sized trades of structured notes (and subject to the declining excess amount described above).

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Furthermore, if you sell your notes, you will likely be charged a commission for secondary market transactions, or the price will likely reflect a dealer discount. This commission or discount will further reduce the proceeds you would receive for your notes in a secondary market sale.

There is no assurance that GS&Co. or any other party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price and, in this regard, GS&Co. is not obligated to make a market in the notes. See “— Your Notes May Not Have an Active Trading Market” below.

The Notes Are Subject to the Credit Risk of the Issuer and the Guarantor

Although the return on the notes will be based on the performance of the underlying ETF, the payment of any amount due on the notes is subject to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp., as issuer of the notes, and the credit risk of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor of the notes. The notes are our unsecured obligations.  Investors are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the notes, and therefore investors are subject to our credit risk and to changes in the market’s view of our creditworthiness. Similarly, investors are dependent on the ability of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor of the notes, to pay all amounts due on the notes, and therefore are also subject to its credit risk and to changes in the market’s view of its creditworthiness.  See “Description of the Notes We May Offer — Information About Our Medium-Term Notes, Series E Program — How the Notes Rank Against Other Debt” on page S-4 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities We May Offer— Guarantee by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.” on page 42 of the accompanying prospectus.

The Cash Settlement Amount on Your Notes Is Not Linked to the Price of the Underlying ETF at Any Time Other than the Determination Date

The final underlying ETF price will be based on the closing price of the underlying ETF on the determination date (subject to adjustment as described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement). Therefore, if the closing price of the underlying ETF dropped precipitously on the determination date, the cash settlement amount for your notes may be significantly less than it would have been had the cash settlement amount been linked to the closing price of the underlying ETF prior to such drop in the price of the underlying ETF. Although the actual price of the underlying ETF on the stated maturity date or at other times during the life of your notes may be higher than the final underlying ETF price, you will not benefit from the closing price of the underlying ETF at any time other than on the determination date.

You May Lose Your Entire Investment in the Notes

You can lose your entire investment in the notes. The cash payment on your notes, if any, on the stated maturity date will be based on the performance of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF as measured from the initial underlying ETF price set on the trade date to the closing price on the determination date. If the final underlying ETF price is less than the initial underlying ETF price, the amount in cash you will receive on your notes on the stated maturity date, if any, will be less than the face amount of your notes and you will incur a loss on the face amount proportionate to the decline of the underlying ETF from the trade date to the determination date. Thus, you may lose your entire investment in the notes, which would include any premium to face amount you paid when you purchased the notes.

Also, the market price of your notes prior to the stated maturity date may be significantly lower than the purchase price you pay for your notes. Consequently, if you are able to sell your notes before the stated maturity date, you may receive far less than the amount of your investment in the notes.

Your Notes Will Not Bear Interest

You will not receive any interest payments on your notes. As a result, even if the cash settlement amount payable for each of your notes on the stated maturity date exceeds the face amount of your notes, the overall return you earn on your notes may be less than you would have earned by investing in a non-indexed debt security of comparable maturity that bears interest at a prevailing market rate.

 

The Potential for the Value of Your Notes to Increase Will Be Limited

Your ability to participate in any change in the value of the underlying ETF over the life of your notes will be limited. The maximum settlement amount will limit the cash settlement amount you may receive for each of your notes at maturity, no matter how much the price of the underlying ETF may rise beyond the cap level (to be set on the trade date) over the life of your notes. Accordingly, the amount payable for each of your notes may be significantly less than it would have been had you invested directly in the underlying ETF.

 

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Past Underlying ETF Performance is No Guide to Future Performance

The actual performance of the underlying ETF over the life of the notes, as well as the amount payable at maturity, may bear little relation to the historical closing price of the underlying ETF or to the hypothetical return examples set forth elsewhere in this prospectus supplement. We cannot predict the future performance of the underlying ETF.

We May Sell an Additional Aggregate Face Amount of the Notes at a Different Issue Price

At our sole option, we may decide to sell an additional aggregate face amount of the notes subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement. The issue price of the notes in the subsequent sale may differ substantially (higher or lower) from the original issue price you paid as provided on the cover of this prospectus supplement.

If You Purchase Your Notes at a Premium to Face Amount, the Return on Your Investment Will Be Lower Than the Return on Notes Purchased at Face Amount and the Impact of Certain Key Terms of the Notes Will be Negatively Affected

The return on your notes will be based on the underlying ETF return, which is the percentage increase or decrease in the final underlying ETF price on the determination date from the initial underlying ETF price (set on the trade date). If the final underlying ETF price is less than the initial underlying ETF price, you will receive less than the face amount of your notes. If the final underlying ETF price is zero, you will lose your entire investment in the notes. The cash settlement amount you will be paid for your notes on the stated maturity date will not be adjusted based on the issue price you pay for the notes. If you purchase notes at a price that differs from the face amount of the notes, then the return on your investment in such notes held to the stated maturity date will differ from, and may be substantially less than, the return on notes purchased at face amount. If you purchase your notes at a premium to face amount and hold them to the stated maturity date the return on your investment in the notes will be lower than it would have been had you purchased the notes at face amount or a discount to face amount. In addition, the impact of the cap level on the return on your investment will depend upon the price you pay for your notes relative to face amount. For example, if you purchase your notes at a premium to face amount, the cap level will only permit a lower percentage increase in your investment in the notes than would have been the case for notes purchased at face amount or a discount to face amount. In such cases, your return will be less than the maximum return.

The Market Value of Your Notes May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors

When we refer to the market value of your notes, we mean the value that you could receive for your notes if you chose and are able to sell them in the open market before the stated maturity date. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and impact the value of bonds and options generally, will influence the market value of your notes, including:

These factors will influence the price you will receive if you sell your notes before maturity, including the price you may receive for your notes in any market-making transaction. If you sell your notes before maturity, you may receive less than the face amount of your notes or less than you would have received had you held your notes to maturity.

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You cannot predict the future prices of the underlying ETF based on its historical fluctuations. The actual price of the underlying ETF over the life of the notes may bear little or no relation to the historical closing price of the underlying ETF or to the hypothetical examples shown elsewhere in this prospectus supplement.

If the Price of the Underlying ETF Changes, the Market Value of Your Notes May Not Change in the Same Manner

Your notes may trade quite differently from the performance of the underlying ETF. Changes in the price of the underlying ETF may not result in a comparable change in the market value of your notes. Even if the price of the underlying ETF increases above the initial underlying ETF price during the life of the notes, the market value of your notes may not increase by the same amount. We discuss some of the reasons for this disparity under “— The Market Value of Your Notes May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors” above.

The Return on Your Notes Will Not Reflect Any Dividends Paid on the Underlying ETF, or the Underlying ETF Stocks

The return on your notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the underlying ETF and received the distributions paid on the shares of such ETF. You will not receive any dividends that may be paid on any of the underlying ETF stocks by the underlying ETF stock issuers or the shares of the underlying ETF. See “—You Have No Shareholder Rights or Rights to Receive Any Shares of the Underlying ETF or Any Underlying ETF Stock” below for additional information.

You Have No Shareholder Rights or Rights to Receive Any Shares of the Underlying ETF or Any Underlying ETF Stock

Investing in your notes will not make you a holder of any shares of the underlying ETF or any underlying ETF stocks. Neither you nor any other holder or owner of your notes will have any rights with respect to the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks, including any voting rights, any right to receive dividends or other distributions, any rights to make a claim against the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks or any other rights of a holder of the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks. Your notes will be paid in cash and you will have no right to receive delivery of any shares of the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks.

Other Investors in the Notes May Not Have the Same Interests as You

Other investors in the notes are not required to take into account the interests of any other investor in exercising remedies or voting or other rights in their capacity as securityholders or in making requests or recommendations to Goldman Sachs as to the establishment of other transaction terms. The interests of other investors may, in some circumstances, be adverse to your interests. For example, certain investors may take short positions (directly or indirectly through derivative transactions) on assets that are the same or similar to your notes, underlying ETF, underlying ETF stocks or other similar securities, which may adversely impact the market for or value of your notes.

Anticipated Hedging Activities by Goldman Sachs or Our Distributors May Negatively Impact Investors in the Notes and Cause Our Interests and Those of Our Clients and Counterparties to be Contrary to Those of Investors in the Notes

Goldman Sachs expects to hedge our obligations under the notes by purchasing listed or over-the-counter options, futures and/or other instruments linked to the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks. Goldman Sachs also expects to adjust the hedge by, among other things, purchasing or selling any of the foregoing, and perhaps other instruments linked to the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks, at any time and from time to time, and to unwind the hedge by selling any of the foregoing on or before the determination date for your notes. Alternatively, Goldman Sachs may hedge all or part of our obligations under the notes with unaffiliated distributors of the notes which we expect will undertake similar market activity. Goldman Sachs may also enter into, adjust and unwind hedging transactions relating to other ETF-linked notes whose returns are linked to changes in the price of the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks, as applicable.

In addition to entering into such transactions itself, or distributors entering into such transactions, Goldman Sachs may structure such transactions for its clients or counterparties, or otherwise advise or assist clients or counterparties in entering into such transactions. These activities may be undertaken to

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achieve a variety of objectives, including: permitting other purchasers of the notes or other securities to hedge their investment in whole or in part; facilitating transactions for other clients or counterparties that may have business objectives or investment strategies that are inconsistent with or contrary to those of investors in the notes; hedging the exposure of Goldman Sachs to the notes including any interest in the notes that it reacquires or retains as part of the offering process, through its market-making activities or otherwise; enabling Goldman Sachs to comply with its internal risk limits or otherwise manage firmwide, business unit or product risk; and/or enabling Goldman Sachs to take directional views as to relevant markets on behalf of itself or its clients or counterparties that are inconsistent with or contrary to the views and objectives of the investors in the notes.

Any of these hedging or other activities may adversely affect the price of the underlying ETF — directly or indirectly by affecting the price of the underlying ETF stocks — and therefore the market value of your notes and the amount we will pay on your notes, if any, at maturity. In addition, you should expect that these transactions will cause Goldman Sachs or its clients, counterparties or distributors to have economic interests and incentives that do not align with, and that may be directly contrary to, those of an investor in the notes. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any distributor will have any obligation to take, refrain from taking or cease taking any action with respect to these transactions based on the potential effect on an investor in the notes, and may receive substantial returns on hedging or other activities while the value of your notes declines. In addition, if the distributor from which you purchase notes is to conduct hedging activities in connection with the notes, that distributor may otherwise profit in connection with such hedging activities and such profit, if any, will be in addition to the compensation that the distributor receives for the sale of the notes to you. You should be aware that the potential to earn fees in connection with hedging activities may create a further incentive for the distributor to sell the notes to you in addition to the compensation they would receive for the sale of the notes.

Goldman Sachs’ Trading and Investment Activities for its Own Account or for its Clients, Could Negatively Impact Investors in the Notes

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, investment advisor, market maker, trader, prime broker and lender. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs purchases, sells or holds a broad array of investments, actively trades securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own account or for the accounts of its customers, and will have other direct or indirect interests, in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity, bank loan and other markets. Any of Goldman Sachs’ financial market activities may, individually or in the aggregate, have an adverse effect on the market for your notes, and you should expect that the interests of Goldman Sachs or its clients or counterparties will at times be adverse to those of investors in the notes.

Goldman Sachs regularly offers a wide array of securities, financial instruments and other products into the marketplace, including existing or new products that are similar to your notes, or similar or linked to the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks. Investors in the notes should expect that Goldman Sachs will offer securities, financial instruments, and other products that will compete with the notes for liquidity, research coverage or otherwise.

Goldman Sachs’ Market-Making Activities Could Negatively Impact Investors in the Notes

Goldman Sachs actively makes markets in and trades financial instruments for its own account and for the accounts of customers. These financial instruments include debt and equity securities, currencies, commodities, bank loans, indices, baskets and other products. Goldman Sachs’ activities include, among other things, executing large block trades and taking long and short positions directly and indirectly, through derivative instruments or otherwise. The securities and instruments in which Goldman Sachs takes positions, or expects to take positions, include securities and instruments of the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks, securities and instruments similar to or linked to the foregoing or the currencies in which they are denominated. Market making is an activity where Goldman Sachs buys and sells on behalf of customers, or for its own account, to satisfy the expected demand of customers. By its nature, market making involves facilitating transactions among market participants that have differing views of securities

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and instruments. As a result, you should expect that Goldman Sachs will take positions that are inconsistent with, or adverse to, the investment objectives of investors in the notes.

If Goldman Sachs becomes a holder of any securities of the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks in its capacity as a market-maker or otherwise, any actions that it takes in its capacity as securityholder, including voting or provision of consents, will not necessarily be aligned with, and may be inconsistent with, the interests of investors in the notes.

You Should Expect That Goldman Sachs Personnel Will Take Research Positions, or Otherwise Make Recommendations, Provide Investment Advice or Market Color or Encourage Trading Strategies That Might Negatively Impact Investors in the Notes

Goldman Sachs and its personnel, including its sales and trading, investment research and investment management personnel, regularly make investment recommendations, provide market color or trading ideas, or publish or express independent views in respect of a wide range of markets, issuers, securities and instruments. They regularly implement, or recommend to clients that they implement, various investment strategies relating to these markets, issuers, securities and instruments. These strategies include, for example, buying or selling credit protection against a default or other event involving an issuer or financial instrument. Any of these recommendations and views may be negative with respect to the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks or other securities or instruments similar to or linked to the foregoing or result in trading strategies that have a negative impact on the market for any such securities or instruments, particularly in illiquid markets. In addition, you should expect that personnel in the trading and investing businesses of Goldman Sachs will have or develop independent views of the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks, the relevant industry or other market trends, which may not be aligned with the views and objectives of investors in the notes.

Goldman Sachs Regularly Provides Services to, or Otherwise Has Business Relationships with, a Broad Client Base, Which May Include the Investment Advisor of the Underlying ETF or the Issuers of the Underlying ETF Stocks or Other Entities That Are Involved in the Transaction

Goldman Sachs regularly provides financial advisory, investment advisory and transactional services to a substantial and diversified client base, and you should assume that Goldman Sachs will, at present or in the future, provide such services or otherwise engage in transactions with, among others, the investment advisor of the underlying ETF or the issuers of the underlying ETF stocks, or transact in securities or instruments or with parties that are directly or indirectly related to the foregoing. These services could include making loans to or equity investments in those companies, providing financial advisory or other investment banking services, or issuing research reports. You should expect that Goldman Sachs, in providing such services, engaging in such transactions, or acting for its own account, may take actions that have direct or indirect effects on the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks, as applicable, and that such actions could be adverse to the interests of investors in the notes. In addition, in connection with these activities, certain Goldman Sachs personnel may have access to confidential material non-public information about these parties that would not be disclosed to Goldman Sachs employees that were not working on such transactions as Goldman Sachs has established internal information barriers that are designed to preserve the confidentiality of non-public information. Therefore, any such confidential material non-public information would not be shared with Goldman Sachs employees involved in structuring, selling or making markets in the notes or with investors in the notes.

In this offering, as well as in all other circumstances in which Goldman Sachs receives any fees or other compensation in any form relating to services provided to or transactions with any other party, no accounting, offset or payment in respect of the notes will be required or made; Goldman Sachs will be entitled to retain all such fees and other amounts, and no fees or other compensation payable by any party or indirectly by holders of the notes will be reduced by reason of receipt by Goldman Sachs of any such other fees or other amounts.

The Offering of the Notes May Reduce an Existing Exposure of Goldman Sachs or Facilitate a Transaction or Position That Serves the Objectives of Goldman Sachs or Other Parties

A completed offering may reduce Goldman Sachs’ existing exposure to the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks, securities and instruments similar to or linked to the foregoing or the currencies in which they are denominated, including exposure gained through hedging transactions in anticipation of this offering.

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An offering of notes will effectively transfer a portion of Goldman Sachs’ exposure (and indirectly transfer the exposure of Goldman Sachs’ hedging or other counterparties) to investors in the notes.

The terms of the offering (including the selection of the underlying ETF or underlying ETF stocks, and the establishment of other transaction terms) may have been selected in order to serve the investment or other objectives of Goldman Sachs or another client or counterparty of Goldman Sachs. In such a case, Goldman Sachs would typically receive the input of other parties that are involved in or otherwise have an interest in the offering, transactions hedged by the offering, or related transactions. The incentives of these other parties would normally differ from and in many cases be contrary to those of investors in the notes.

As Calculation Agent, GS&Co. Will Have the Authority to Make Determinations that Could Affect the Value of Your Notes, When Your Notes Mature and the Amount You Receive at Maturity

As calculation agent for your notes, GS&Co. will have discretion in making various determinations that affect your notes, including determining the final underlying ETF price on the determination date, which we will use to determine the amount we must pay on the stated maturity date; anti-dilution adjustments; determining whether to postpone the determination date because of a market disruption event or a non-trading day; the stated maturity date; the default amount and any amount payable on your notes. See “Specific Terms of Your Notes” below. The calculation agent also has discretion in making certain adjustments relating to a discontinuation or modification of the underlying ETF. See “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” below. The exercise of this discretion by GS&Co. could adversely affect the value of your notes and may present GS&Co. with a conflict of interest. We may change the calculation agent at any time without notice and GS&Co. may resign as calculation agent at any time upon 60 days’ written notice to us.

The Policies of the Underlying ETF’s Investment Advisor, BlackRock Fund Advisors, and the Sponsor of the Underlying Index, MSCI, Could Affect the Amount Payable on Your Notes and Their Market Value

The underlying ETF’s investment advisor, BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA” or the “underlying ETF investment advisor”) may from time to time be called upon to make certain policy decisions or judgments with respect to the implementation of policies of the underlying ETF investment advisor concerning the calculation of the net asset value of the underlying ETF, additions, deletions or substitutions of securities in the underlying ETF and the manner in which changes affecting the underlying index are reflected in the underlying ETF that could affect the market price of the shares of the underlying ETF, and therefore, the amount payable on your notes on the stated maturity date. The amount payable on your notes and their market value could also be affected if the underlying ETF investment advisor changes these policies, for example, by changing the manner in which it calculates the net asset value of the underlying ETF, or if the underlying ETF investment advisor discontinues or suspends calculation or publication of the net asset value of the underlying ETF, in which case it may become difficult or inappropriate to determine the market value of your notes.

If events such as these occur, the calculation agent — which initially will be GS&Co. — may determine the closing price of the underlying ETF on the determination date — and thus the amount payable on the maturity date, if any — in a manner, in its sole discretion, it considers appropriate. We describe the discretion that the calculation agent will have in determining the closing ETF price on the determination date and the amount payable on your notes more fully under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” and “— Anti-dilution Adjustments” on page S-25.

In addition, MSCI (the “underlying index sponsor”) owns the underlying index and is responsible for the design and maintenance of the underlying index. The policies of the underlying index sponsor concerning the calculation of the underlying index, including decisions regarding the addition, deletion or substitution of the equity securities included in the underlying index, could affect the level of the underlying index and, consequently, could affect the market prices of shares of the underlying ETF and, therefore, the amount payable on your notes and their market value.

There Are Risks Associated with the Underlying ETF

Although the underlying ETF’s shares are listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”) and a number of similar products have been traded on the NYSE Arca or other securities exchanges for varying

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periods of time, there is no assurance that an active trading market will continue for the shares of the underlying ETF or that there will be liquidity in the trading market.

In addition, the underlying ETF is subject to management risk, which is the risk that the underlying ETF investment advisor’s investment strategy, the implementation of which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results. For example, the underlying ETF investment advisor may select up to 10% of the underlying ETF’s assets to be invested in shares of equity securities that are not included in the underlying index.  The underlying ETF is also not actively managed and may be affected by a general decline in market segments relating to the underlying index.  The underlying ETF investment advisor invests in securities included in, or representative of, the underlying index regardless of their investment merits.  The underlying ETF investment advisor does not attempt to take defensive positions in declining markets.

In addition, the underlying ETF is subject to custody risk, which refers to the risks in the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities by local banks, agent and depositories.  Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets make trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.

Further, under continuous listing standards adopted by the NYSE Arca, the underlying ETF will be required to confirm on an ongoing basis that the components of the underlying index satisfy the applicable listing requirements.  In the event that its underlying index does not comply with the applicable listing requirements, the underlying ETF would be required to rectify such non-compliance by requesting that the underlying index sponsor modify such underlying index, adopting a new underlying index or obtaining relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that the underlying index sponsor would so modify the underlying index or that relief would be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, non-compliance with the continuous listing standards may result in the underlying ETF being delisted by the NYSE Arca.

 

The Underlying ETF and the Underlying Index are Different and the Performance of the Underlying ETF May Not Correlate with the Performance of the Underlying Index

The underlying ETF uses a representative sampling strategy (more fully described under “The Underlying ETF”) to attempt to track the performance of the underlying index. The underlying ETF may not hold all or substantially all of the equity securities included in the underlying index and may hold securities or assets not included in the underlying index. Therefore, while the performance of the underlying ETF is generally linked to the performance of the underlying index, the performance of the underlying ETF is also linked in part to shares of equity securities not included in the underlying index and to the performance of other assets, such as futures contracts, options and swaps, as well as cash and cash equivalents, including shares of money market funds affiliated with the underlying ETF investment advisor.

Imperfect correlation between the underlying ETF’s portfolio securities and those in the underlying index, rounding of prices, changes to the underlying index and regulatory requirements may cause tracking error, the divergence of the underlying ETF’s performance from that of the underlying index.  

In addition, the performance of the underlying ETF will reflect additional transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of the underlying index and this may increase the tracking error of the underlying ETF. Also, corporate actions with respect to the sample of equity securities (such as mergers and spin-offs) may impact the performance differential between the underlying ETF and the underlying index. Finally, because the shares of the underlying ETF are traded on the NYSE Arca and are subject to market supply and investor demand, the market value of one share of the underlying ETF may differ from the net asset value per share of the underlying ETF.

For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the underlying ETF may not correlate with the performance of the underlying index. Consequently, the return on the notes will not be the same as investing directly in the underlying ETF or in the underlying index or in the underlying ETF stocks or in the underlying index stocks, and will not be the same as investing in a debt security with a payment at maturity linked to the performance of the underlying index.

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Periods of Higher Market Volatility May Exacerbate Tracking Error

 

Tracking error is the difference between the performance of the underlying ETF and the underlying index it tracks.  Although the underlying ETF seeks to track the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible, the underlying ETF’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the index due to, among other things, transaction costs.  In addition, in periods of high market volatility, the underlying ETF’s ability to manage the portfolio to closely track the underlying index may be adversely impacted given the rapid changes in the underlying index.  As a result, in periods of high market volatility, the underlying ETF may not closely track the index, which may have an adverse impact on your notes.

An Investment in the Offered Notes Is Subject to Risks Associated with Foreign Securities Markets

The value of your notes is linked to the underlying ETF which holds stocks traded in the equity markets of emerging market countries. Investments linked to the value of foreign equity securities involve particular risks. Any foreign securities market may be less liquid, more volatile and affected by global or domestic market developments in a different way than are the U.S. securities market or other foreign securities markets. Both government intervention in a foreign securities market, either directly or indirectly, and cross-shareholdings in foreign companies, may affect trading prices and volumes in that market. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about those U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. 

The prices of securities in a foreign country are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that are unique to such foreign country's geographical region. These factors include: recent changes, or the possibility of future changes, in the applicable foreign government's economic and fiscal policies; the possible implementation of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions applicable to foreign companies or investments in foreign equity securities; fluctuations, or the possibility of fluctuations, in currency exchange rates; and the possibility of outbreaks of hostility, political instability, natural disaster or adverse public health developments. The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union (popularly known as “Brexit”). The effect of Brexit is uncertain, and Brexit has and may continue to contribute to volatility in the prices of securities of companies located in Europe and currency exchange rates, including the valuation of the euro and British pound in particular. Any one of these factors, or the combination of more than one of these factors, could negatively affect such foreign securities market and the price of securities therein. Further, geographical regions may react to global factors in different ways, which may cause the prices of securities in a foreign securities market to fluctuate in a way that differs from those of securities in the U.S. securities market or other foreign securities markets. Foreign economies may also differ from the U.S. economy in important respects, including growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency, which may have a positive or negative effect on foreign securities prices.

Because foreign exchanges may be open on days when the underlying ETF is not traded, the value of the securities underlying the underlying ETF may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell shares of the underlying ETF.

The countries whose markets are represented by the underlying ETF include Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times. It will also likely be more costly and difficult for the underlying ETF sponsor

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to enforce the laws or regulations of a foreign country or trading facility, and it is possible that the foreign country or trading facility may not have laws or regulations which adequately protect the rights and interests of investors in the stocks included in the underlying ETF.

Your Investment in the Notes Will Be Subject to Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The underlying ETF holds assets that are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies. The value of the assets held by the underlying ETF that are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies will be adjusted to reflect their U.S. dollar value by converting the price of such assets from the non-U.S. dollar currency to U.S. dollars. Consequently, if the value of the U.S. dollar strengthens against the non-U.S. dollar currency in which an asset is denominated, the price of the underlying ETF may not increase even if the non-dollar value of the asset held by the underlying ETF increases.

Foreign currency exchange rates vary over time, and may vary considerably during the term of your notes. Changes in a particular exchange rate result from the interaction of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic and political conditions. Of particular importance are:

All of these factors are, in turn, sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of the relevant foreign countries and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.

The market price of the notes and price of the underlying ETF could also be adversely affected by delays in, or refusals to grant, any required governmental approval for conversions of a local currency and remittances abroad or other de facto restrictions on the repatriation of U.S. dollars.

It has been reported that the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and regulators from other countries are in the process of investigating the potential manipulation of published currency exchange rates.  If such manipulation has occurred or is continuing, certain published exchange rates may have been, or may be in the future, artificially lower (or higher) than they would otherwise have been.  Any such manipulation could have an adverse impact on any payments on, and the value of, your notes and the trading market for your notes.  In addition, we cannot predict whether any changes or reforms affecting the determination or publication of exchange rates or the supervision of currency trading will be implemented in connection with these investigations.  Any such changes or reforms could also adversely impact your notes.

 

Regulators Are Investigating Potential Manipulation of Published Currency Exchange Rates

It has been reported that the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and regulators from other countries are in the process of investigating the potential manipulation of published currency exchange rates.  If such manipulation has occurred or is continuing, certain published exchange rates may have been, or may be in the future, artificially lower (or higher) than they would otherwise have been.  Any such manipulation could have an adverse impact on any payments on, and the value of, your notes and the trading market for your notes.  In addition, we cannot predict whether any changes or reforms affecting the determination or publication of exchange rates or the supervision of currency trading will be implemented in connection with these investigations.  Any such changes or reforms could also adversely impact your notes.

You Will Have Limited Anti-dilution Protection

GS&Co., as calculation agent for your notes, may adjust the closing price for certain events that may affect the underlying ETF, but only in the situations we describe in “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Anti-dilution Adjustments”.  The calculation agent will not be required to make an adjustment for every event that may affect the underlying ETF and will have broad discretion to determine whether and to what extent an adjustment is required.

Except to the Extent GS&Co. and One or More of Our Other Affiliates Act as Authorized Participants in the Distribution of, and, at Any Time, May Hold, Shares of the Underlying ETF,

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There Is No Affiliation Between the Underlying ETF Investment Advisor and Us

GS&Co. and one or more of our other affiliates may act, from time to time, as authorized participants in the distribution of shares of the underlying ETF, and, at any time, may hold shares of the underlying ETF. Goldman Sachs is not otherwise affiliated with the underlying ETF investment advisor or the underlying ETF stock issuers. We or our affiliates may currently or from time to time in the future engage in business with the underlying ETF investment advisor or the issuers of the underlying ETF stocks. Neither we nor any of our affiliates have participated in the preparation of any publicly available information or made any “due diligence” investigation or inquiry with respect to the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stock issuers. You, as an investor in your notes, should make your own investigation into the underlying ETF and the underlying ETF stock issuers.

Neither the underlying ETF investment advisor nor any underlying ETF stock issuer are involved in this offering of your notes in any way and none of them have any obligation of any sort with respect to your notes. Neither the underlying ETF investment advisor nor any such issuer have any obligation to take your interests into consideration for any reason, including when taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of your notes.

Your Notes May Not Have an Active Trading Market

Your notes will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or included in any interdealer market quotation system, and there may be little or no secondary market for your notes. Even if a secondary market for your notes develops, it may not provide significant liquidity and we expect that transaction costs in any secondary market would be high. As a result, the difference between bid and asked prices for your notes in any secondary market could be substantial.

The Calculation Agent Can Postpone the Determination Date If a Market Disruption Event or a Non-Trading Day Occurs or is Continuing

If the calculation agent determines that, on the date that would otherwise be the determination date, a market disruption event has occurred or is continuing or if such date is not a trading day, the determination date will be postponed until the first following trading day on which no market disruption event occurs or is continuing. In no event, however, will such date be postponed to a date later than the originally scheduled stated maturity date or, if the originally scheduled stated maturity date is not a business day, later than the first business day after the originally scheduled stated maturity date. Moreover, if the determination date is postponed to the last possible day, but a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on that day or that day is not a trading day, that day will nevertheless be the determination date.

If the calculation agent determines that the closing price of the underlying ETF that must be used to determine the cash settlement amount is not available on the determination date, either because of a market disruption event, a non-trading day or for any other reason (other than as described under “Specific Terms of Your Notes — Payment of Principal on the Stated Maturity Date — Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” below), the calculation agent will nevertheless determine the final underlying ETF price based on its assessment, made in its sole discretion, of the price of the underlying ETF at the applicable time on that day.

Certain Considerations for Insurance Companies and Employee Benefit Plans

Any insurance company or fiduciary of a pension plan or other employee benefit plan that is subject to the prohibited transaction rules of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, which we call “ERISA”, or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including an IRA or a Keogh plan (or a governmental plan to which similar prohibitions apply), and that is considering purchasing the offered notes with the assets of the insurance company or the assets of such a plan, should consult with its counsel regarding whether the purchase or holding of the offered notes could become a “prohibited transaction” under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any substantially similar prohibition in light of the representations a purchaser or holder in any of the above categories is deemed to make by purchasing and holding the offered notes. This is discussed in more detail under “Employee Retirement Income Security Act” below.

 

 

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Your Notes May Be Subject to an Adverse Change in Tax Treatment in the Future

The tax consequences of an investment in your notes are uncertain, both as to the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of your notes.

The Internal Revenue Service announced on December 7, 2007 that it is considering issuing guidance regarding the tax treatment of an instrument such as your notes, and any such guidance could adversely affect the value and the tax treatment of your notes. Among other things, the Internal Revenue Service may decide to require the holders to accrue ordinary income on a current basis and recognize ordinary income on payment at maturity, and could subject non-U.S. investors to withholding tax. Furthermore, in 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if enacted, would have required holders that acquired instruments such as your notes after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of such instruments even though there will be no interest payments over the term of such instruments. It is not possible to predict whether a similar or identical bill will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your notes. We describe these developments in more detail under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences — United States Holders — Possible Change in Law” below. You should consult your tax advisor about this matter. Except to the extent otherwise provided by law, we intend to continue treating the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page S-43 below unless and until such time as Congress, the Treasury Department or the Internal Revenue Service determine that some other treatment is more appropriate. Please also consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and any other applicable tax consequences to you of owning your notes in your particular circumstances.

Your Notes May Be Subject to the Constructive Ownership Rules

There exists a risk that the constructive ownership rules of Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code could apply to your notes. If your notes were subject to the constructive ownership rules, then any long-term capital gain that you realize upon the sale, exchange or maturity of your notes would be re-characterized as ordinary income (and you would be subject to an interest charge on deferred tax liability with respect to such re-characterized capital gain) to the extent that such capital gain exceeds the amount of “net underlying long-term capital gain” (as defined in Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code). Because the application of the constructive ownership rules is unclear you are strongly urged to consult your tax advisor with respect to the possible application of the constructive ownership rules to your investment in the notes.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding May Apply to Payments on Your Notes, Including as a Result of the Failure of the Bank or Broker Through Which You Hold the Notes to Provide Information to Tax Authorities

Please see the discussion under “United States Taxation — Taxation of Debt Securities — Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of FATCA to payments made on your notes. The discussion in that section is hereby modified to reflect regulations proposed by the Treasury Department indicating its intent to eliminate the requirements under FATCA of withholding on gross proceeds from the sale, exchange, maturity or other disposition of relevant financial instruments. The Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization.

 

 

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SPECIFIC TERMS OF YOUR NOTES

The offered notes are part of a series of debt securities, entitled “Medium-Term Notes, Series E”, that we may issue under the indenture from time to time as described in the accompanying prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement. The offered notes are also “indexed debt securities”, as defined in the accompanying prospectus.

This prospectus supplement summarizes specific financial and other terms that apply to the offered notes, including your notes; terms that apply generally to all Series E medium-term notes are described in “Description of Notes We May Offer” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. The terms described here supplement those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and, if the terms described here are inconsistent with those described there, the terms described here are controlling.

In addition to those terms described under “Summary Information” in this prospectus supplement, the following terms will apply to your notes:

No interest: we will not pay interest on your notes

Specified currency:

Form of note:

Denominations: each note registered in the name of a holder must have a face amount of $10 or an integral multiple of $10 in excess thereof

Minimum purchase amount: In connection with the initial offering of the notes, the minimum face amount of notes that may be purchased by any investor is $1,000.

Defeasance applies as follows:

Other terms:

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Please note that the information about the settlement date or trade date, issue price, underwriting discount and net proceeds to GS Finance Corp. on the front cover page or elsewhere in this prospectus supplement relates only to the initial issuance and sale of the notes. We may decide to sell additional notes on one or more dates after the date of this prospectus supplement, at issue prices and with, underwriting discounts and net proceeds that differ from the amounts set forth on the front cover page or elsewhere in this prospectus supplement. If you have purchased your notes in a market-making transaction after the initial issuance and sale of the notes, any such relevant information about the sale to you will be provided in a separate confirmation of sale.

We describe the terms of your notes in more detail below.

Underlying ETF, Underlying ETF Investment Advisor, Underlying Index, Underlying Index Sponsor and Underlying ETF Stocks

In this prospectus supplement, when we refer to the underlying ETF, we mean the underlying ETF specified on the front cover page, or any successor ETF, as it may be modified, replaced or adjusted from time to time as described under “— Payment of Principal on Stated Maturity Date — Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” below. When we refer to the underlying ETF investment advisor as of any time, we mean the entity, including any successor investment advisor, that manages the underlying ETF.  When we refer to the underlying index, we mean the index underlying the underlying ETF.  When we refer to an underlying index sponsor as of any time, we mean the entity, including any successor sponsor, that determines and publishes the underlying index as then in effect. When we refer to the underlying ETF stocks as of any time, we mean the stocks that comprise the underlying ETF as then in effect, after giving effect to any additions, deletions or substitutions.

Payment of Principal on Stated Maturity Date

On the stated maturity date, for each $10 face amount of your notes you will receive an amount in cash equal to:

The underlying ETF return is calculated by subtracting the initial underlying ETF price from the final underlying ETF price and dividing the result by the initial underlying ETF price, with the quotient expressed as a percentage. The cap level will be set on the trade date and is expected to be between approximately 105.933% and approximately 106.267% of the initial underlying ETF price. The cap level represents (i) the maximum return divided by the upside gearing plus (ii) 100% and is the price of the underlying ETF at or above which you will receive the maximum settlement amount. If the final underlying ETF price is greater than the cap level (in which case the product of the underlying ETF return times the upside gearing is greater than the maximum return), you will not receive more than the maximum settlement amount. The maximum settlement amount will be set on the trade date and is expected to be between $11.78 and $11.88, which corresponds to an expected maximum return on the notes of between 17.80% and 18.80%. The upside gearing is 3.0.

The initial underlying ETF price will be set on the trade date. The calculation agent will determine the final underlying ETF price, which will be the closing price of the underlying ETF on the determination date. However, the calculation agent will have discretion to adjust the closing price on the determination date or to determine it in a different manner as described under “— Anti-dilution Adjustments”, “— Consequences of a Market Disruption Event or a Non-Trading Day” and “— Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” below.

 

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Stated Maturity Date

The stated maturity date (which will be determined on the trade date) is expected to be June 30, 2020, unless that day is not a business day, in which case the stated maturity date will be the next following business day. If the determination date is postponed as described under “— Determination Date” below, the stated maturity date will be postponed by the same number of business day(s) from but excluding the originally scheduled determination date to and including the actual determination date.

Determination Date

The determination date will be a date specified on the trade date and is expected to be June 25, 2020, unless the calculation agent determines that a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on that day or that day is not otherwise a trading day. In that event, the determination date will be the first following trading day on which the calculation agent determines that a market disruption event does not occur and is not continuing. In no event, however, will the determination date be postponed to a date later than the originally scheduled stated maturity date or, if the originally scheduled stated maturity date is not a business day, later than the first business day after the originally scheduled stated maturity date. If the determination date is postponed to the last possible day, but a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on that day or that day is not a trading day, that day will nevertheless be the determination date.

Consequences of a Market Disruption Event or a Non-Trading Day

If a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on a day that would otherwise be the determination date or such day is not a trading day, then the determination date will be postponed as described under “— Determination Date” above.

If the calculation agent determines that the closing price of the underlying ETF that must be used to determine the cash settlement amount is not available on the determination date because of a market disruption event, a non-trading day or for any other reason (other than as described under “— Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF” below), then the calculation agent will nevertheless determine the final underlying ETF price based on its assessment, in good faith in its sole discretion, of the price of the underlying ETF on that day.

Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF

If the underlying ETF is delisted from the exchange on which the underlying ETF has its primary listing and the underlying ETF investment advisor or anyone else publishes a substitute ETF that the calculation agent determines is comparable to the underlying ETF and approves as a successor ETF, or if the calculation agent designates a substitute underlying ETF, then the calculation agent will determine the cash settlement amount on the stated maturity date by reference to the substitute ETF.  We refer to any substitute ETF approved by the calculation agent as a successor ETF.

If the calculation agent determines on the determination date that the underlying ETF is delisted or withdrawn from the exchange on which the underlying ETF has its primary listing and there is no successor ETF, the calculation agent will determine the applicable closing price of the underlying ETF used to determine the cash settlement amount on the stated maturity date by a computation methodology that the calculation agent determines will as closely as reasonably possible replicate the underlying ETF.

If the calculation agent determines that the underlying ETF, the underlying ETF stocks or the method of calculating the underlying ETF is changed at any time in any respect — including any split or reverse split, a material change in the investment objective and any addition, deletion or substitution and any reweighting or rebalancing of the underlying ETF or of the underlying ETF stocks and whether the change is made by the underlying ETF investment advisor under its existing policies or following a modification of those policies, is due to the publication of a successor ETF, is due to events affecting one or more of the underlying ETF stocks or their issuers or is due to any other reason — then the calculation agent will be permitted (but not required) to make such adjustments in the underlying ETF or the method of its calculation as it believes are appropriate to ensure that the prices of the underlying ETF used to determine the cash settlement amount on the stated maturity date is equitable.

All determinations and adjustments to be made by the calculation agent with respect to the underlying ETF may be made by the calculation agent in its sole discretion.  The calculation agent is not obligated to make any such adjustments.

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Anti-dilution Adjustments

The calculation agent will have discretion to adjust the closing price of the underlying ETF if certain events occur (including those described above under “— Discontinuance or Modification of the Underlying ETF”).  Exchange traded funds are registered investment companies that are eligible for trading on the exchanges on which they are listed.  Generally, exchange traded funds are subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are restricted in their activities and have dividend requirements.  In the event that any event other than a delisting or withdrawal from the relevant exchange occurs, the calculation agent shall determine whether and to what extent an adjustment should be made to the price of the ETF or any other term.  The calculation agent shall have no obligation to make an adjustment for any such event.

Default Amount on Acceleration

If an event of default occurs and the maturity of your notes is accelerated, we will pay the default amount in respect of the principal of your notes at the maturity, instead of the cash settlement amount on the stated maturity date as described earlier. We describe the default amount under “— Special Calculation Provisions” below.

For the purpose of determining whether the holders of our Series E medium-term notes, which include your notes, are entitled to take any action under the indenture, we will treat the outstanding face amount of your notes as the outstanding principal amount of that note. Although the terms of the offered notes differ from those of the other Series E medium-term notes, holders of specified percentages in principal amount of all Series E medium-term notes, together in some cases with other series of our debt securities, will be able to take action affecting all the Series E medium-term notes, including your notes, except with respect to certain Series E medium-term notes if the terms of such notes specify that the holders of specified percentages in the principal amount of all such notes must also consent to such action. This action may involve changing some of the terms that apply to the Series E medium-term notes, accelerating the maturity of the Series E medium-term notes after a default or waiving some of our obligations under the indenture. In addition, certain changes to the indenture and the notes that only affect certain debt securities may be made with the approval of holders of a majority of the principal amount of such affected debt securities. We discuss these matters in the accompanying prospectus under “Description of Debt Securities We May Offer — Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default” and “— Modification of the Debt Indentures and Waiver of Covenants”.

Manner of Payment

Any payment on your notes at maturity will be made to an account designated by the holder of your notes and approved by us, or at the office of the trustee in New York City, but only when your notes are surrendered to the trustee at that office. We also may make any payment in accordance with the applicable procedures of the depositary.

Modified Business Day

As described in the accompanying prospectus, any payment on your notes that would otherwise be due on a day that is not a business day may instead be paid on the next day that is a business day, with the same effect as if paid on the original due date. For your notes, however, the term business day may have a different meaning than it does for other Series E medium-term notes. We discuss this term under “— Special Calculation Provisions” below.

Role of Calculation Agent

The calculation agent in its sole discretion will make all determinations regarding the underlying ETF, market disruption events, business days, trading days, the underlying ETF return, the final underlying ETF price, anti-dilution adjustments, the determination date and the cash settlement amount on your notes at maturity. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.

Please note that GS&Co., our affiliate, is currently serving as the calculation agent as of the original issue date of your notes. We may change the calculation agent for your notes at any time after the original issue date without notice and GS&Co. may resign as calculation agent at any time upon 60 days’ written notice to us.

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Special Calculation Provisions

Business Day

When we refer to a business day with respect to your notes, we mean a day that is a New York business day as described under “Description of Debt Securities We May Offer — Calculations of Interest on Debt Securities — Business Days” on page 21 in the accompanying prospectus.

Trading Day

When we refer to a trading day with respect to your notes, we mean a day on which the exchange on which the underlying ETF has its primary listing is open for trading and the price of one share of the underlying ETF is quoted by the exchange on which such underlying ETF has its primary listing.

Closing Price

When we refer to the closing price of the underlying ETF on any trading day, we mean the closing sale price or last reported sale price, regular way, for the underlying ETF, on a per-share or other unit basis:

If the underlying ETF is not listed or traded as described above, then the closing price for the underlying ETF on any day will be the average, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid prices for the underlying ETF obtained from as many dealers in that underlying ETF selected by the calculation agent as will make those bid prices available to the calculation agent. The number of dealers need not exceed three and may include the calculation agent or any of its or our affiliates.

Default Amount

The default amount for your notes on any day (except as provided in the last sentence under “— Default Quotation Period” below) will be an amount, in the specified currency for the principal of your notes, equal to the cost of having a qualified financial institution, of the kind and selected as described below, expressly assume all of our payment and other obligations with respect to your notes as of that day and as if no default or acceleration had occurred, or to undertake other obligations providing substantially equivalent economic value to you with respect to your notes. That cost will equal:

During the default quotation period for your notes, which we describe below, the holder and/or we may request a qualified financial institution to provide a quotation of the amount it would charge to effect this assumption or undertaking. If either party obtains a quotation, it must notify the other party in writing of the quotation. The amount referred to in the first bullet point above will equal the lowest—or, if there is only one, the only— quotation obtained, and as to which notice is so given, during the default quotation period. With respect to any quotation, however, the party not obtaining the quotation may object, on reasonable and significant grounds, to the assumption or undertaking by the qualified financial institution providing the quotation and notify the other party in writing of those grounds within two business days after the last day of the default quotation period, in which case that quotation will be disregarded in determining the default amount.

Default Quotation Period

The default quotation period is the period beginning on the day the default amount first becomes due and ending on the third business day after that day, unless:

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If either of these two events occurs, the default quotation period will continue until the third business day after the first business day on which prompt notice of a quotation is given as described above. If that quotation is objected to as described above within five business days after that first business day, however, the default quotation period will continue as described in the prior sentence and this sentence.

In any event, if the default quotation period and the subsequent two business day objection period have not ended before the determination date, then the default amount will equal the principal amount of your notes.

Qualified Financial Institutions

For the purpose of determining the default amount at any time, a qualified financial institution must be a financial institution organized under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States of America, Europe or Japan, which at that time has outstanding debt obligations with a stated maturity of one year or less from the date of issue and that is, or whose securities are, rated either:

Market Disruption Event

With respect to any given trading day, any of the following will be a market disruption event:

and, in the case of any of these events, the calculation agent determines in its sole discretion that the event could materially interfere with the ability of GS Finance Corp. or any of its affiliates to unwind all or a material portion of a hedge that could be effected with respect to the offered notes. For more information about hedging by GS Finance Corp. and/or any of its affiliates, see “Use of Proceeds” and “Hedging” below.

The following events will not be market disruption events:

For this purpose, an “absence of trading” in the primary securities market on which shares of the underlying ETF are traded, or on which option or futures contracts, if available, relating to the underlying ETF are traded, will not include any time when that market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. In contrast, a suspension or limitation of trading in shares of the underlying ETF or in option or futures contracts, if available, relating to the underlying ETF in the primary market for that underlying ETF or those contracts, by reason of:

will constitute a suspension or material limitation of trading in shares of the underlying ETF or those contracts in that market.

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As is the case throughout this prospectus supplement, references to the underlying ETF in this description of market disruption events includes the underlying ETF and any successor underlying ETF as it may be modified, replaced or adjusted from time to time.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to lend the net proceeds from the sale of the offered notes to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or its affiliates. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. expects to use the proceeds from such loans for the purposes we describe in the accompanying prospectus under “Use of Proceeds”. We or our affiliates may also use those proceeds in transactions intended to hedge our obligations under the offered notes as described below.

HEDGING

In anticipation of the sale of the offered notes, we and/or our affiliates expect to enter into hedging transactions involving purchases of listed or over-the-counter options, futures and other instruments linked to the underlying ETF on or before the trade date. In addition, from time to time after we issue the offered notes, we and/or our affiliates may enter into additional hedging transactions and unwind those we have entered into in connection with the offered notes and perhaps in connection with other ETF-linked notes we issue, some of which may have returns linked to the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks. Consequently, with regard to your notes, from time to time, we and/or our affiliates:

We and/or our affiliates may acquire a long or short position in securities similar to your notes from time to time and may, in our or their sole discretion, hold or resell those securities.

In the future, we and/or our affiliates expect to close out hedge positions relating to the offered notes and perhaps relating to other notes with returns linked to the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks. We expect these steps to involve sales of instruments linked to the underlying ETF on or shortly before the determination date. These steps may also involve sales and/or purchases of some or all of the underlying ETF stocks, or listed or over-the-counter options, futures or other instruments linked to the underlying ETF, some or all of the underlying ETF stocks or indices designed to track the performance of the U.S., European, Asian or other stock exchanges or other components of the U.S., European, Asian or other equity markets or other components of such markets.

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THE UNDERLYING ETF

The shares of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (the “underlying ETF”) are issued by iShares, Inc. (the “company”). The Company was organized as a Maryland corporation on September 1, 1994 and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios, of which the underlying ETF is one. On July 1, 2013, the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund changed its name to the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF.

The underlying index was launched on December 31, 1987 with an initial level of 100.

We obtained the following fee information from the iShares^® website without independent verification. The underlying ETF investment advisor is entitled to receive a management fee from the underlying ETF based on the underlying ETF’s allocable portion of an aggregate management fee based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the underlying ETF and a set of other specified iShares^® funds (the “funds”) as follows: 0.75% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds less than or equal to U.S. $14.0 billion, plus 0.68% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds on amounts in excess of U.S. $14.0 billion up to and including U.S. $28.0 billion, plus 0.61% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds on amounts in excess of U.S. $28.0 billion up to and including U.S. $42.0 billion, plus 0.54% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds on amounts in excess of U.S. $42.0 billion up to and including U.S. $56.0 billion, plus 0.47% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds on amounts in excess of U.S. $56.0 billion up to and including U.S. $70.0 billion, plus 0.41% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds on amounts in excess of U.S. $70.0 billion up to and including U.S. $84.0 billion, plus 0.35% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the funds in excess of U.S. $84.0 billion. As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate expense ratio of the underlying ETF was 0.67% per annum.

The investment advisory agreement of the underlying ETF provides that BFA will pay all operating expenses of the underlying ETF, except interest expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, future distribution fees or expenses, and extraordinary expenses. The underlying ETF may also pay “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses”.  Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses reflect the underlying ETF’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by investing in other investment companies.

For additional information regarding the company or BFA, please consult the reports (including the Annual Report to Shareholders on Form N-CSR for the period ended August 31, 2018) and other information the company files with the SEC. In addition, information regarding the underlying ETF, including its top portfolio holdings, may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles, other publicly available documents and the iShares^® website at us.ishares.com/product_info/fund/overview/ EEM.htm. We are not incorporating by reference the website, the sources listed above or any material they include in this prospectus supplement.

Investment Objective

The underlying ETF seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of the underlying index. The underlying ETF’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.

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The following tables display the top holdings and weightings by industry sector of the underlying ETF. (Sector designations are determined by the underlying ETF sponsor using criteria it has selected or developed. ETF advisors and index sponsors may use very different standards for determining sector designations. In addition, many companies operate in a number of sectors, but are listed in only one sector and the basis on which that sector is selected may also differ. As a result, sector comparisons between underlying ETFs or indices with different sponsors may reflect differences in methodology as well as actual differences in the sector composition of the indices or underlying ETFs.) We obtained the information in the tables below from the underlying ETF website without independent verification.

Notwithstanding the underlying ETF’s investment objective, the return on your notes will not reflect any dividends paid on the underlying ETF shares, on the securities purchased by the underlying ETF or on the securities that comprise the underlying index.

iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Top Ten Holdings as of April 16, 2019

 

iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Weighting by Country as of April 16, 2019*

* Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

^ǂ The Global Industry Classification Structure, which MSCI utilizes to classify the constituents of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index was updated in September 2018.  Please see below for additional information about these updates.

iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Weighting by Sector as of April 16, 2019*^ǂ

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* Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Holdings With Weights Equal to or in Excess of 5% of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF as of April 16, 2019

According to its publicly available documents, Tencent Holdings Limited is an investment holding company engaged in providing value-added services and online advertising services. Information regarding Tencent Holdings Limited can be found on the company’s website at tencent.com/en-us/investor.html. We are not incorporating by reference the website or any material it includes in this pricing supplement. See “Additional Risk Factors Specific to Your Notes — An Investment in the Offered Notes Is Subject to Risks Associated with Foreign Securities Markets” on page PS-19 of this prospectus supplement.

The graph below shows the daily historical closing prices of Tencent Holdings Limited from April 16, 2009 through April 16, 2019, adjusted for corporate events, if applicable. We obtained the prices in the graph below using data from Bloomberg Financial Services, without independent verification. We have taken the description of the ETF stock issuer set forth below from publicly available information without independent verification.

Historical Performance of Tencent Holdings Limited

 

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Representative Sampling

BFA uses a representative sampling strategy to attempt to track the performance of the underlying index. For the underlying ETF, this strategy involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The securities selected are expected to have aggregate investment characteristics (based on factors such as market capitalization and industry weightings), fundamental characteristics (such as return variability, earnings valuation and yield) and liquidity measures similar to those of the underlying index.

The underlying ETF generally invests at least 90% of its assets in the securities of the underlying index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the underlying index. The underlying ETF may invest the remainder of its assets in securities not included in the underlying index, but which BFA believes will help the underlying ETF track the underlying index. The underlying ETF may also invest its other assets in futures contracts, options and swaps, as well as cash and cash equivalents, including shares of money market funds affiliated with BFA. Also, the underlying ETF may lend securities representing up to one-third of the value of the underlying ETF’s total assets (including the value of the collateral received). The underlying ETF invests all of its assets that are invested in India in a wholly owned subsidiary located in the Republic of Mauritius. BFA also serves of the investment advisor of the subsidiary.

Tracking Error

The performance of the underlying ETF and the underlying index may vary due to a variety of factors, including differences between the underlying ETF’s assets and the underlying index, pricing differences (including differences between a security’s price at the local market close and the underlying ETF’s valuation of a security at the time of calculation of the underlying ETF’s net asset value per share), differences in transaction costs, the underlying ETF’s holding of uninvested cash, differences in timing of the accrual of or the valuation of dividends or interest, tax gains or losses, changes to the underlying index or the costs to the underlying ETF of complying with various new or existing regulatory requirements.  Tracking error may also result because the underlying ETF incurs fees and expenses, while the underlying index does not. BFA expects that, over time, the underlying ETF’s performance difference will not exceed 5%. The underlying ETF’s use of a representative sampling strategy can be expected to produce a greater tracking error over a period of time than would result if the underlying ETF used an indexing strategy in which an exchange traded fund invests in substantially all of the securities in its underlying index in approximately the same proportions as in the underlying index.

As of March 31, 2019, iShares^® reported the following average annual returns on the market price of the underlying ETF’s shares and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.  The market price of the underlying ETF’s shares takes into account distributions on the shares and the returns shown account for changes in the mid-point of the bid and ask prices at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on the relevant date. underlying ETF shares: 1 year, -9.14%; 3 years, 10.03%; 5 years, 3.06%; 10 years, 7.72%; since inception, 10.63%; MSCI Emerging Markets Index: 1 year, -7.28%; 3 years, 10.68%; 5 years, 3.68%; 10 years, 8.94%; since underlying ETF inception, 11.12%.

Industry Concentration Policy

The underlying ETF will concentrate its investments (i.e., hold 25% or more of its total assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the same extent that the underlying index is concentrated in that industry or group of industries.

The Underlying Index

The underlying index is a stock index calculated, published and disseminated daily by MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) through numerous data vendors, on the MSCI website and in real time on Bloomberg Financial Markets and Reuters Limited.

The underlying index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index and is one of the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices (the “MSCI Indices”), the methodology of which is described below. The underlying index is considered a “standard” index, which means it consists of all eligible large capitalization and mid-capitalization stocks, as determined by MSCI, in the relevant emerging markets. Additional information about the MSCI Indices is available on the following website: msci.com/index-

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methodology. Daily closing price information for the underlying index is available on the following website: msci.com. We are not incorporating by reference the website, the sources listed above or any material they include in this prospectus supplement.

The underlying index is intended to provide performance benchmarks for the emerging equity markets in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, which are, as of the date of this prospectus supplement, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The constituent stocks of the underlying index are derived from the constituent stocks in the 24 MSCI standard single country indices for the emerging market countries listed above. The underlying index is calculated in U.S. dollars on a total return net basis. The underlying index was launched on December 31, 1987 at an initial value of 100.

As of the close on May 31, 2018, MSCI began a multi-step process to include, in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, large cap China A shares that are not in trading suspension. As part of the first step of the inclusion process, which resulted from the May 2018 semi-annual index review, MSCI added such large cap China A shares to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index at 2.5% of their foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization. In connection with the August 2018 quarterly index review, MSCI implemented the second step of the inclusion process by increasing the foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization of those existing China A share constituents from 2.5% to 5%. With the implementation of this second step, and the inclusion of additional China A shares in connection with the August 2018 quarterly index review, China A shares were initially expected to represent approximately 0.75% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

MSCI has announced that, beginning in May 2019, it will begin a three-step process to further increase the weight of China A shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The first step will coincide with the May 2019 semi-annual index review, when MSCI will increase the foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization of all large cap China A shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index from 5% to 10% and add large cap ChiNext shares at 10% of their foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization. The second step will coincide with the August 2019 quarterly index review, when MSCI will increase the foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization of all large cap China A shares from 10% to 15%. The third step will coincide with the November 2019 semi-annual index review, when MSCI will increase the foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization of all large cap China A shares from 15% to 20% and add mid cap China A shares, including eligible ChiNext shares, to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index at 20% of their foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization. On completion of this three-step implementation, there will be 253 large- and 168 mid-cap China A shares, including 27 ChiNext shares, on a pro forma basis in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, representing a weight of 3.3% in the pro forma index.

MSCI has announced that, beginning in June 2019, it expects to include the MSCI Saudi Arabia Index in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, representing on a pro forma basis a weight of approximately 2.6% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index with 32 securities, following a two-step inclusion process. The first inclusion step is expected to coincide with the May 2019 semi-annual index review and the second inclusion step is expected to take place as part of the August 2019 quarterly index review. In addition, MSCI has announced the reclassification of the MSCI Argentina Index from a “frontier market” to an “emerging market”, and the MSCI Argentina Index is expected to be included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index coinciding with the May 2019 semi-annual index review. MSCI expects to continue to restrict the inclusion in the MSCI Argentina Index to only foreign listings of Argentinian companies, such as American depositary receipts.

MSCI divides the companies included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index into eleven Global Industry Classification Sectors: Communication Services, Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, Information Technology, Consumer Staples, Materials, Real Estate, Health Care, Utilities and Energy. As of the close of business on September 21, 2018, MSCI and S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC updated the Global Industry Classification Sector structure. Among other things, the update broadened the Telecommunications Services sector and renamed it the Communication Services sector. The renamed sector includes the previously existing Telecommunication Services Industry group, as well as the Media Industry group, which was moved from the Consumer Discretionary sector and renamed the Media & Entertainment Industry group. The Media & Entertainment Industry group contains three industries:

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Media, Entertainment and Interactive Media & Services. The Media industry continues to consist of the Advertising, Broadcasting, Cable & Satellite and Publishing sub-industries. The Entertainment industry contains the Movies & Entertainment sub-industry (which includes online entertainment streaming companies in addition to companies previously classified in such industry prior to September 21, 2018) and the Interactive Home Entertainment sub-industry (which includes companies previously classified in the Home Entertainment Software sub-industry prior to September 21, 2018 (when the Home Entertainment Software sub-industry was a sub-industry in the Information Technology sector)), as well as producers of interactive gaming products, including mobile gaming applications). The Interactive Media & Services industry and sub-industry includes companies engaged in content and information creation or distribution through proprietary platforms, where revenues are derived primarily through pay-per-click advertisements, and includes search engines, social media and networking platforms, online classifieds and online review companies. The Global Industry Classification Sector structure changes are effective for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index as of the open of business on December 3, 2018 to coincide with the November 2018 semi-annual index review.

Construction of the Underlying Index

MSCI undertakes an index construction process, which involves: (i) defining the equity universe; (ii) determining the market investable equity universe for each market; (iii) determining market capitalization size segments for each market; (iv) applying index continuity rules for the standard index; (v) creating style segments within each size segment within each market; and (vi) classifying securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard. The underlying index construction methodology differs in some cases depending on whether the relevant market is considered a developed market or an emerging market. All of the MSCI Indices are standard indices, meaning that only securities that would qualify for inclusion in a large cap index or a mid cap index will be included as described below.

Defining the Equity Universe

Identifying Eligible Equity Securities: The equity universe initially looks at securities listed in any of the countries in the MSCI Global Index series, which will be classified as either “developed markets” or “emerging markets”. All listed equity securities, including real estate investment trusts and certain income trusts in Canada are eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Limited partnerships, limited liability companies and business trusts, which are listed in the U.S. and are not structured to be taxed as limited partnerships, are likewise eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Conversely, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, equity derivatives and most investment trusts are not eligible for inclusion in the equity universe.  Preferred shares that exhibit characteristics of equity securities are eligible.

Country Classification of Eligible Securities: Each company and its securities (i.e., share classes) are classified in one and only one country, which allows for a distinctive sorting of each company by its respective country.

Determining the Market Investable Equity Universes

A market investable equity universe for a market is derived by (i) identifying eligible listings for each security in the equity universe; and (ii) applying investability screens to individual companies and securities in the equity universe that are classified in that market. A market is generally equivalent to a single country. The global investable equity universe is the aggregation of all market investable equity universes.

In order for a country to meet the foreign listing materiality requirement, the following is determined: all securities represented by a foreign listing that would be included in the country’s MSCI Country

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Investable Market Index if foreign listings were eligible from that country. The aggregate free-float adjusted market capitalization for all such securities should represent at least (i) 5% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the relevant MSCI Country Investable Market Index and (ii) 0.05% of the free-float adjusted market capitalization of the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index. If a country does not meet the foreign listing materiality requirement, then securities in that country may not be represented by a foreign listing in the global investable equity universe.

(ii) Applying Investability Screens: The investability screens used to determine the investable equity universe in each market are:

Equity Universe Minimum Size Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the company level. In order to be included in a market investable equity universe, a company must have the required minimum full market capitalization. The equity universe minimum size requirement applies to companies in all markets and is derived as follows:

As of May 2017, the equity universe minimum size requirement was set at U.S. $236 million. Companies with a full market capitalization below this level are not included in any market investable equity universe. The equity universe minimum size requirement is reviewed and, if necessary, revised at each semi-annual index review, as described below.

Equity Universe Minimum Free Float-Adjusted Market Capitalization Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have a free float-adjusted market capitalization equal to or higher than 50% of the equity universe minimum size requirement.

Minimum Liquidity Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have at least one eligible listing that has adequate liquidity as measured by its 12-month and 3-month annualized traded value ratio (“ATVR”) and 3-month frequency of trading. The ATVR attempts to mitigate the impact of extreme daily trading volumes and takes into account the free float-adjusted market capitalization of securities. A minimum liquidity level of 20% of the 3-month ATVR and 90% of 3-month frequency of trading over the last 4 consecutive quarters, as well as 20% of the 12-month ATVR, are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of a developed market. A minimum liquidity level of 15% of the 3-month ATVR and 80% of 3-month frequency of trading over the last 4 consecutive quarters, as well as 15% of the 12-month ATVR, are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of an emerging market.  

Only one listing per security may be included in the market investable equity universe. In instances where a security has two or more eligible listings that meet the above liquidity requirements, then the following priority rules are used to determine which listing will be used for potential inclusion of the security in the market investable equity universe:

 

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(1) Local listing (if the security has two or more local listings, then the listing with the highest 3-month ATVR will be used)

 

(2) Foreign listing in the same geographical region (MSCI classifies markets into three main geographical regions: EMEA, Asia Pacific and Americas.  If the security has two or more foreign listings in the same geographical region, then the listing with the highest 3-month ATVR will be used).

 

(3) Foreign listing in a different geographical region (if the security has two or more foreign listings in a different geographical region, then the listing with the highest 3-month ATVR will be used).

 

Due to liquidity concerns relating to securities trading at very high stock prices, a security that is currently not a constituent of a MSCI Global Investable Markets Index that is trading at a stock price above U.S. $10,000 will fail the liquidity screening and will not be included in any market investable equity universe.

Global Minimum Foreign Inclusion Factor Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To determine the free float of a security, MSCI considers the proportion of shares of such security available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors. In practice, limitations on the investment opportunities for international investors include: strategic stakes in a company held by private or public shareholders whose investment objective indicates that the shares held are not likely to be available in the market; limits on the proportion of a security’s share capital authorized for purchase by non-domestic investors; or other foreign investment restrictions which materially limit the ability of foreign investors to freely invest in a particular equity market, sector or security.

MSCI will then derive a “foreign inclusion factor” for the company that reflects the proportion of shares outstanding that is available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors. MSCI will then “float-adjust” the weight of each constituent company in an index by the company’s foreign inclusion factor.

Once the free float factor has been determined for a security, the security’s total market capitalization is then adjusted by such free float factor, resulting in the free float-adjusted market capitalization figure for the security.

Minimum Length of Trading Requirement: This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For an initial public offering to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the new issue must have started trading at least three months before the implementation of a semi-annual index review. This requirement is applicable to small new issues in all markets. Large initial public offerings are not subject to the minimum length of trading requirement and may be included in a market investable equity universe and a standard index, such as the underlying index, outside of a quarterly or semi-annual index review.

Minimum Foreign Room Requirement:  This investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For a security that is subject to a foreign ownership limit to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the proportion of shares still available to foreign investors relative to the maximum allowed (referred to as “foreign room”) must be at least 15%.

Defining Market Capitalization Size Segments for Each Market

Once a market investable equity universe is defined, it is segmented into the following size-based indices:

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Creating the size segment indices in each market involves the following steps: (i) defining the market coverage target range for each size segment; (ii) determining the global minimum size range for each size segment; (iii) determining the market size−segment cutoffs and associated segment number of companies; (iv) assigning companies to the size segments; and (v) applying final size-segment investability requirements. For emerging market indices, the market coverage for a standard index is 42.5%. As of April 2017, the global minimum size range for an emerging market standard index is a full market capitalization of USD 1.37 billion to USD 3.16 billion.

Index Continuity Rules for Standard Indices

In order to achieve index continuity, as well as provide some basic level of diversification within a market index, notwithstanding the effect of other index construction rules, a minimum number of five constituents will be maintained for a developed market standard index and a minimum number of three constituents will be maintained for an emerging market standard index, and involves the following steps:

Creating Style Indices within Each Size Segment

All securities in the investable equity universe are classified into value or growth segments. The classification of a security into the value or growth segment is used by MSCI to construct additional indices.

Classifying Securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard

 All securities in the global investable equity universe are assigned to the industry that best describes their business activities. The GICS classification of each security is used by MSCI to construct additional indices.

Calculation Methodology for the Underlying Index

 The underlying index is a net daily total return index. A daily total return index measures the market performance, including price performance and income from regular cash distributions, while a net daily total return index measures the price performance and income from dividends, net of certain withholding taxes. MSCI calculates withholding taxes using the highest applicable withholding tax rate applicable to institutional investors. This net income is reinvested in the underlying index and thus makes up part of the total index performance. MSCI’s net daily total return methodology reinvests net cash dividends in indices the day the security is quoted ex-dividend, or on the ex-date (converted to U.S. dollars, as applicable). Certain dividends, including special/extraordinary dividends and commemorative dividends, are reinvested in the indices if, a day prior to the ex-date, the dividend impact on price is less than 5%. If the impact is 5% or more, the dividend will be reflected in the indices through a price adjustment. A specific price adjustment is always applied for stock dividends that are issued at no cost to the shareholders, an extraordinary capital repayment or a dividend paid in the shares of another company. Cash payments related to corporate events, such as mergers and acquisitions, are considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

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Notwithstanding the underlying ETF’s investment objective, the return on your notes will not reflect any dividends paid on the underlying ETF shares, on the securities purchased by the underlying ETF or on the securities that comprise the underlying index.

Maintenance of the Underlying Index

In order to maintain the representativeness of the underlying index, structural changes may be made by adding or deleting component securities. Currently, such changes in the underlying index may generally only be made on four dates throughout the year: after the close of the last business day of each February, May, August and November.

Each country index is maintained with the objective of reflecting, on a timely basis, the evolution of the underlying equity markets. In maintaining each component country index, emphasis is also placed on its continuity, continuous investability of constituents and replicability of the index and on index stability and minimizing turnover.

MSCI classifies index maintenance in three broad categories. The first consists of ongoing event related changes, such as mergers and acquisitions, which are generally implemented in the country indices in which they occur. The second category consists of quarterly index reviews, aimed at promptly reflecting other significant market events. The third category consists of semi-annual index reviews that systematically re-assess the various dimensions of the equity universe.

Ongoing event-related changes to the underlying index are the result of mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, bankruptcies, reorganizations and other similar corporate events. They can also result from capital reorganizations in the form of rights issues, stock bonus issues, public placements and other similar corporate actions that take place on a continuing basis. MSCI will remove from the underlying index as soon as practicable securities of companies that file for bankruptcy or other protection from their creditors, that are suspended and for which a return to normal business activity and trading is unlikely in the near future; or that fail stock exchange listing requirements with a delisting announcement. Securities may also be considered for early deletion in other significant cases, such as decreases in free float and foreign ownership limits, or when a constituent company acquires or merges with a non-constituent company or spins-off another company. In practice, when a constituent company is involved in a corporate event which results in a significant decrease in the company’s free float adjusted market capitalization or the company decreases its foreign inclusion factor to below 0.15, the securities of that constituent company are considered for early deletion from the indices simultaneously with the event unless, in either case, it is a standard index constituent with a minimum free float-adjusted market capitalization is not at least two-thirds of one-half of the standard index interim size segment cut-off. Share conversions may also give rise to an early deletion. All changes resulting from corporate events are announced prior to their implementation, provided all necessary information on the event is available.

MSCI’s quarterly index review process is designed to ensure that the country indices continue to be an accurate reflection of evolving equity markets. This goal is achieved by timely reflecting significant market driven changes that were not captured in each index at the time of their actual occurrence and that should not wait until the semi-annual index review due to their importance. These quarterly index reviews may result in additions and deletions of component securities from a country index (or a security being removed from one country listing and represented by a different country listing) and changes in “foreign inclusion factors” and in number of shares. Additions and deletions to component securities may result from: the addition of large companies that did not meet the minimum size criterion for inclusion at the time of their initial public offering or secondary offering; the replacement of companies which are no longer suitable industry representatives; the deletion of securities whose overall free float has fallen to less than 15% and that do not meet specified criteria; the deletion of securities that have become very small or illiquid; and the addition or deletion of securities as a result of other market events. Significant changes in free float estimates and corresponding changes in the foreign inclusion factor for component securities may result from: block sales, block buys, secondary offerings and transactions made by way of immediate book-building that did not meet the requirements for implementation at the time of such event; corporate events that should have been implemented at the time of such event but could not be reflected immediately due to lack of publicly available details at the time of the event; exercise of IPO over-allotment options which result in an increase in free float; increases in foreign ownership limits; decreases in foreign ownership limits which did not require foreign investors to immediately sell shares in the market;

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re-estimates of free float figures resulting from the reclassification of shareholders from strategic to non-strategic, and vice versa; the end of lock-up periods or expiration of loyalty incentives for non-strategic shareholders; conversion of a non-index constituent share class or an unlisted line of shares which has an impact on index constituents; and acquisition by shares of non-listed companies or assets. However, no changes in foreign inclusion factors are implemented for any of the above events if the change in free float estimate is less than 1%, except in cases of correction. Small changes in the number of shares resulting from, for example, exercise of options or warrants, conversion of convertible bonds or other instruments, conversion of a non-index constituent share class or an unlisted line of shares which has an impact on index constituents, periodic conversion of a share class into another share class, exercise of over-allotment options, exercise of share buybacks, or the cancellation of shares, are generally updated at the quarterly index review rather than at the time of the event. The results of the quarterly index reviews are announced at least two weeks in advance of their effective implementation dates as of the close of the last business day of February and August. MSCI has noted that consistency is a factor in maintaining each component country index.

MSCI’s semi-annual index review is designed to systematically reassess the component securities of the underlying index. During each semi-annual index review, the universe of component securities is updated and the global minimum size range for the underlying index is recalculated, which is based on the full market capitalization and the cumulative free float-adjusted market capitalization coverage of each security that is eligible to be included in the underlying index. The following underlying index maintenance activities, among others, are undertaken during each semi-annual index review: the list of countries in which securities may be represented by foreign listings is reviewed; the component securities are updated by identifying new equity securities that were not part of the underlying index at the time of the previous quarterly index review; the minimum size requirement for the underlying index is updated and new companies are evaluated relative to the new minimum size requirement; existing component securities that do not meet the minimum liquidity requirements of the underlying index may be removed (or, with respect to any such security that has other listings, a determination is made as to whether any such listing can be used to represent the security in the market investable universe); and changes in “foreign inclusion factors” are implemented (provided the change in free float is greater than 1%, except in cases of correction). During a semi-annual index review, component securities may be added or deleted from a country index for a range of reasons, including the reasons discussed with respect to component securities changes during quarterly index reviews as discussed above. Foreign listings may become eligible to represent securities only from the countries that met the foreign listing materiality requirement during the previous semi-annual index review (this requirement is applied only to countries that do not yet include foreign listed securities). Once a country meets the foreign listing materiality requirement at a given semi-annual index review, foreign listings will remain eligible for such country even if the foreign listing materiality requirements are not met in the future.

The results of the semi-annual index reviews are announced at least two weeks in advance of their effective implementation date as of the close of the last business day of May and November.

Underlying index maintenance also includes monitoring and completing adjustments for share changes, stock splits, stock dividends, and stock price adjustments due to company restructurings or spin-offs.

These guidelines and the policies implementing the guidelines are the responsibility of, and, ultimately, subject to adjustment by, MSCI.

“iShares^®” is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BITC”). The underlying index is not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by BITC. BITC makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the underlying index or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the underlying index. BITC has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the underlying index.

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Historical Closing Prices of the Underlying ETF

The closing price of the underlying ETF has fluctuated in the past and may, in the future, experience significant fluctuations. Any historical upward or downward trend in the closing price of the underlying ETF during the period shown below is not an indication that the underlying ETF is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time during the life of your notes.

You should not take the historical prices of the underlying ETF as an indication of the future performance of the underlying ETF. We cannot give you any assurance that the future performance of the underlying ETF or the underlying ETF stocks will result in your receiving an amount greater than the outstanding face amount of your notes, or that you will not incur a loss on your investment, on the stated maturity date.

Neither we nor any of our affiliates make any representation to you as to the performance of the underlying ETF. Before investing in the offered notes, you should consult publicly available information to determine the prices of the underlying ETF between the date of this prospectus supplement and the date of your purchase of the offered notes. The actual performance of the underlying ETF over the life of the offered notes, as well as the cash settlement amount, may bear little relation to the historical prices shown below.

The graph below shows the daily historical closing prices of the underlying ETF from April 16, 2009 through April 16, 2019. We obtained the closing prices in the graph below from Bloomberg Financial Services, without independent verification.

Historical Performance of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

 

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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following section supplements the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus.

The following section is the opinion of Sidley Austin llp, counsel to GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. In addition, it is the opinion of Sidley Austin llp that the characterization of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes that will be required under the terms of the notes, as discussed below, is a reasonable interpretation of current law.

This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

Although this section is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations under the Internal Revenue Code, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect, no statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly addresses how your notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in your notes are uncertain. Moreover, these laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

United States Holders

This section applies to you only if you are a United States holder that holds your notes as a capital asset for tax purposes. You are a United States holder if you are a beneficial owner of each of your notes and you are:

Tax Treatment. You will be obligated pursuant to the terms of the notes — in the absence of a change in law, an administrative determination or a judicial ruling to the contrary — to characterize your notes for all tax purposes as pre-paid derivative contracts in respect of the underlying ETF. Except as otherwise stated below, the discussion herein assumes that the notes will be so treated.

Upon the sale, exchange or maturity of your notes, you should recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash you receive at such time and your tax basis in your notes.

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Your tax basis in the notes will generally be equal to the amount that you paid for the notes. If you hold your notes for more than one year, the gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss. If you hold your notes for one year or less, the gain or loss generally will be short-term capital gain or loss. Short-term capital gains are generally subject to tax at the marginal tax rates applicable to ordinary income.

In addition, the constructive ownership rules of Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code could possibly apply to your notes. If your notes were subject to the constructive ownership rules, then any long-term capital gain that you realize upon the sale, exchange or maturity of your notes would be re-characterized as ordinary income (and you would be subject to an interest charge on deferred tax liability with respect to such re-characterized capital gain) to the extent that such capital gain exceeds the amount of “net underlying long-term capital gain” (as defined in Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code). Because the application of the constructive ownership rules is unclear you are strongly urged to consult your tax advisor with respect to the possible application of the constructive ownership rules to your investment in the notes.

No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how your notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain and alternative characterizations are possible. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor in determining the tax consequences of an investment in your notes in your particular circumstances, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.

Alternative Treatments. There is no judicial or administrative authority discussing how your notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, the Internal Revenue Service might assert that a treatment other than that described above is more appropriate. For example, the Internal Revenue Service could treat your notes as a single debt instrument subject to special rules governing contingent payment debt instruments. Under those rules, the amount of interest you are required to take into account for each accrual period would be determined by constructing a projected payment schedule for the notes and applying rules similar to those for accruing original issue discount on a hypothetical noncontingent debt instrument with that projected payment schedule. This method is applied by first determining the comparable yield – i.e., the yield at which we would issue a noncontingent fixed rate debt instrument with terms and conditions similar to your notes – and then determining a payment schedule as of the issue date that would produce the comparable yield. These rules may have the effect of requiring you to include interest in income in respect of your notes prior to your receipt of cash attributable to that income.

If the rules governing contingent payment debt instruments apply, any gain you recognize upon the sale, exchange or maturity of your notes would be treated as ordinary interest income. Any loss you recognize at that time would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of interest you included as income in the current or previous taxable years in respect of your notes, and, thereafter, as capital loss.

If the rules governing contingent payment debt instruments apply, special rules would apply to a person who purchases notes at a price other than the adjusted issue price as determined for tax purposes.

It is also possible that your notes could be treated in the manner described above, except that any gain or loss that you recognize at maturity would be treated as ordinary gain or loss. You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of such characterization and any possible alternative characterizations of your notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

It is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could seek to characterize your notes in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described above. You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of any possible alternative characterizations of your notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Possible Change in Law

On December 7, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service released a notice stating that the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department are actively considering issuing guidance regarding the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of an instrument such as the offered notes, including whether holders should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis and whether gain or loss should be ordinary or

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capital. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the notes will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code might be applied to such instruments. Except to the extent otherwise provided by law, we intend to continue treating the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described above under “Tax Treatment” unless and until such time as Congress, the Treasury Department or the Internal Revenue Service determine that some other treatment is more appropriate.

Furthermore, in 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if enacted, would have required holders that acquired instruments such as your notes after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of such instruments even though there will be no interest payments over the term of such instruments. It is not possible to predict whether a similar or identical bill will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your notes.

It is impossible to predict what any such legislation or administrative or regulatory guidance might provide, and whether the effective date of any legislation or guidance will affect notes that were issued before the date that such legislation or guidance is issued. You are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the possibility that any legislative or administrative action may adversely affect the tax treatment of your notes.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Please see the discussion under “United States Taxation — Taxation of Debt Securities — Backup Withholding and Information Reporting—United States Holders” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on your notes.

United States Alien Holders

This section applies to you only if you are a United States alien holder. You are a United States alien holder if you are the beneficial owner of the notes and are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

You will be subject to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements as discussed in the accompanying prospectus under “United States Taxation — Taxation of Debt Securities — Backup Withholding and Information Reporting — United States Alien Holders” with respect to payments on your notes at maturity and, notwithstanding that we do not intend to treat the notes as debt for tax purposes, we intend to backup withhold on such payments with respect to your notes unless you comply with the requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding on debt instruments (in which case you will not be subject to such backup withholding) as set forth under “United States Taxation — Taxation of Debt Securities — United States Alien Holders” in the accompanying prospectus.

As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization of the notes, by reason of a change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments at maturity with respect to the notes to become subject to withholding tax, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate and we will not make payments of any additional amounts. Prospective United States alien holders of the notes should consult their tax advisor in this regard.

Furthermore, on December 7, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2008-2 soliciting comments from the public on various issues, including whether instruments such as your notes should be subject to withholding. It is therefore possible that rules will be issued in the future, possibly with retroactive effect, that would cause payments on your notes at maturity to be subject to withholding, even if you comply with certification requirements as to your foreign status.

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The Treasury Department has issued regulations under which amounts paid or deemed paid on certain financial instruments (“871(m) financial instruments”) that are treated as attributable to U.S.-source dividends could be treated, in whole or in part depending on the circumstances, as a “dividend equivalent” payment that is subject to tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower rate under an applicable treaty), which in the case of any amounts you receive upon the sale, exchange or maturity of your notes, could be collected via withholding. If these regulations were to apply to the notes, we may be required to withhold such taxes if any U.S.-source dividends are paid on the underlying ETF during the term of the notes. We could also require you to make certifications (e.g., an applicable Internal Revenue Service Form W-8) prior to the maturity of the notes in order to avoid or minimize withholding obligations, and we could withhold accordingly (subject to your potential right to claim a refund from the Internal Revenue Service) if such certifications were not received or were not satisfactory. If withholding was required, we would not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld. These regulations generally will apply to 871(m) financial instruments (or a combination of financial instruments treated as having been entered into in connection with each other) issued (or significantly modified and treated as retired and reissued) on or after January 1, 2021, but will also apply to certain 871(m) financial instruments (or a combination of financial instruments treated as having been entered into in connection with each other) that have a delta (as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations) of one and are issued (or significantly modified and treated as retired and reissued) on or after January 1, 2017. In addition, these regulations will not apply to financial instruments that reference a “qualified index” (as defined in the regulations). We have determined that, as of the issue date of your notes, your notes will not be subject to withholding under these rules. In certain limited circumstances, however, you should be aware that it is possible for United States alien holders to be liable for tax under these rules with respect to a combination of transactions treated as having been entered into in connection with each other even when no withholding is required. You should consult your tax advisor concerning these regulations, subsequent official guidance and regarding any other possible alternative characterizations of your notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding

Pursuant to Treasury regulations, Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) withholding (as described in “United States Taxation—Taxation of Debt Securities—Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding” in the accompanying prospectus) will generally apply to obligations that are issued on or after July 1, 2014; therefore, the notes will generally be subject to the FATCA withholding rules. Pursuant to recently proposed regulations, the Treasury Department has indicated its intent to eliminate the requirements under FATCA of withholding on gross proceeds from the sale, exchange, maturity or other disposition of relevant financial instruments. The Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization.

 

 

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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT

This section is only relevant to you if you are an insurance company or the fiduciary of a pension plan or an employee benefit plan (including a governmental plan, an IRA or a Keogh Plan) proposing to invest in the notes.

The U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), prohibit certain transactions (“prohibited transactions”) involving the assets of an employee benefit plan that is subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (including individual retirement accounts, Keogh plans and other plans described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code) (a “Plan”) and certain persons who are “parties in interest” (within the meaning of ERISA) or “disqualified persons” (within the meaning of the Code) with respect to the Plan; governmental plans may be subject to similar prohibitions unless an exemption applies to the transaction. The assets of a Plan may include assets held in the general account of an insurance company that are deemed “plan assets” under ERISA or assets of certain investment vehicles in which the Plan invests. Each of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and certain of its affiliates may be considered a “party in interest” or a “disqualified person” with respect to many Plans, and, accordingly, prohibited transactions may arise if the notes are acquired by or on behalf of a Plan unless those notes are acquired and held pursuant to an available exemption. In general, available exemptions are: transactions effected on behalf of that Plan by a “qualified professional asset manager” (prohibited transaction exemption 84-14) or an “in-house asset manager” (prohibited transaction exemption 96-23), transactions involving insurance company general accounts (prohibited transaction exemption 95-60), transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts (prohibited transaction exemption 90-1), transactions involving bank collective investment funds (prohibited transaction exemption 91-38) and transactions with service providers under Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code where the Plan receives no less and pays no more than “adequate consideration” (within the meaning of Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(f)(10) of the Code). The person making the decision on behalf of a Plan or a governmental plan shall be deemed, on behalf of itself and the plan, by purchasing and holding the notes, or exercising any rights related thereto, to represent that (a) the plan will receive no less and pay no more than “adequate consideration” (within the meaning of Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(f)(10) of the Code) in connection with the purchase and holding of the notes, (b) none of the purchase, holding or disposition of the notes or the exercise of any rights related to the notes will result in a nonexempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code (or, with respect to a governmental plan, under any similar applicable law or regulation), and (c) neither The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. nor any of its affiliates is a “fiduciary” (within the meaning of Section 3(21) of ERISA) or, with respect to a governmental plan, under any similar applicable law or regulation) with respect to the purchaser or holder in connection with such person’s acquisition, disposition or holding of the notes, or as a result of any exercise by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or any of its affiliates of any rights in connection with the notes, and neither The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. nor any of its affiliates has provided investment advice in connection with such person’s acquisition, disposition or holding of the notes.

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SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

GS Finance Corp. expects to agree to sell to GS&Co., and GS&Co. expects to agree to purchase from GS Finance Corp., the aggregate face amount of the offered notes specified on the front cover of this prospectus supplement. GS&Co. proposes initially to offer the notes to the public at the original issue price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, and to UBS Financial Services Inc. at such price less a concession not in excess of 2.00%.

In connection with the initial offering of the notes, the minimum face amount of notes that may be purchased by any investor is $1,000.

We expect to deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on April 30, 2019. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade notes on any date prior to two business days before delivery will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

In the future, GS&Co. or other affiliates of GS Finance Corp. may repurchase and resell the offered notes in market-making transactions, with resales being made at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of resale or at negotiated prices. GS Finance Corp. estimates that its share of the total offering expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $    . For more information about the plan of distribution and possible market-making activities, see “Plan of Distribution” in the accompanying prospectus.

We have been advised by GS&Co. that it intends to make a market in the notes. However, neither GS&Co. nor any of our other affiliates that makes a market is obligated to do so and any of them may stop doing so at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity or trading market for the notes.

Any notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement may not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. For the purposes of this provision:

(a)the expression “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), GS&Co. has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the “Relevant Implementation Date”) it has not made and will not make an offer of notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement to the public in that Relevant Member State except that, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, an offer of such notes may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State:

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provided that no such offer of notes referred to above shall require us or any dealer to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of notes to the public” in relation to any notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State.

Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the notes may only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to GS Finance Corp. or The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

All applicable provisions of the FSMA must be complied with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

The notes may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance; and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere) which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder.

This prospectus supplement, along with the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement, along with the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”)) under Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA, in each case subject to conditions set forth in the SFA. 

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor, the securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation has acquired the notes under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer in that corporation’s securities pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section

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276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore (“Regulation 32”).

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an accredited investor, the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer that is made on terms that such rights or interest are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction (whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets), (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32.

The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended), or the FIEA. The notes may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan (including any person resident in Japan or any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan) or to others for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the FIEA and otherwise in compliance with any relevant laws and regulations of Japan.

The notes are not offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland on the basis of a public offering and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other offering or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Accordingly, neither this prospectus supplement nor any accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus or other marketing material constitute a prospectus as defined in article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus as defined in article 32 of the Listing Rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Any resales of the notes by the underwriters thereof may only be undertaken on a private basis to selected individual investors in compliance with Swiss law. This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement may not be copied, reproduced, distributed or passed on to others or otherwise made available in Switzerland without our prior written consent. By accepting this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement or by subscribing to the notes, investors are deemed to have acknowledged and agreed to abide by these restrictions. Investors are advised to consult with their financial, legal or tax advisers before investing in the notes.

Conflicts of Interest

GS& Co. is an affiliate of GS Finance Corp and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and, as such, will have a “conflict of interest” in this offering of notes within the meaning of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) Rule 5121. Consequently, this offering of notes will be conducted in compliance with the provisions of FINRA Rule 5121. GS&Co. will not be 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.

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We have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is an offer to sell only the notes offered hereby, but only under the circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is current only as of the respective dates of such documents.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement

 

 

 

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$

 

 

GS Finance Corp.

 

 

 

Capped GEARS Linked to the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due

 

 

 

guaranteed by

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

 

 

UBS Financial Services Inc.

Selling Agent