Capital Series Protect120 What this Rating means Important Dates Opening / Closing Dates 18 October 2010 / 10 December 2010 Start Date 20 December 2010 Maturity Date (Term) 28 June 2016 (5.5 Years) Trade / Settlement Dates 5 July 2016 / 8 July 2016 Using this Product Key Information Deferred Purchase Agreements (“DPA”) entered into by Issuer and investor Investment Type Reference Assets Strategy 1: S&P/ASX 200 Index Strategy 2: Equal weights of Hang Seng Index, EURO STOXX 50 Index and S&P 500 Index Issuer & Lender This is General Advice only and should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer, Disclosure and Warning on the final page. Part 1 and 2 of the PDS should be read in full and understood by investors before making a decision to invest (or not to invest). Commonwealth Bank of Australia (“CBA”) Commonwealth Securities Limited (“CommSec”) Broker Strategies 1 & 2: 80% at maturity Capital Growth Cap Participation Rate Strategies 1 & 2: 100% Distributions Strategy 1 & 2: None Capital Protection Lock-In Event The Recommended rating indicates that Lonsec has conviction that the fund or product can achieve its objectives and, if applicable, outperform peers over an appropriate investment timeframe. The manager or product has a number of competitive advantages in people, process and product design. The investment is a recommended entry point to access this asset class or strategy. CBA provides 100% capital protection for both strategies at maturity only. If Reference Asset Return (Strategy 1) or Underlying Portfolio Return (Strategy 2) exceeds the Lock-In Level (20% above initial Reference Asset level/s) on any of the 10 Observation Dates, respective minimum Maturity Value will be set to 120% of Issue Price Delivery Asset Units in SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund Minimum Investment $10,000 per strategy and thereafter a multiple of $1,000 per strategy Monthly, at CBA‟s discretion, however capital protection will not apply Liquidity Loan(s) Capital Investment Loan available to approved applicants from CBA. Minimum loan of $10,000. Break-Even Rate Dependent on interest rates, fees and commissions incurred. 8.35% to 8.80% p.a. if Capital Investment Loan used. 9.59% p.a. if Capital Investment Loan (8.8% p.a.) and Interest in Advance Loan used. Capital Series Protect120 (“Protect120”) provides investors with the opportunity to gain exposure to the price growth potential of the Australian equity market (Strategy 1) and equity markets in China, Europe and the US (Strategy 2). Lonsec considers this product to be most suited to balanced and growth risk profile investors. Maximum percentage asset class allocations for all risk profiles are outlined in Lonsec‟s Risk Profile Review. Protect120 incorporates 100% capital protection at maturity only for both strategies that may provide additional comfort to more risk averse investors. Protect120 may suit: Investors seeking capital growth and not reliant on dividends and / or franking credits. Investors who do not believe the Reference Asset/s will increase by more than 80% over the investment term. Investors who want the safety net of 100% capital protection at maturity. SMSF investors provided no Capital Investment Loan is used. Investors utilising any investment loans should be comfortable with the risks associated with borrowing to invest. Investors should be comfortable funding interest payments from their own financial resources. Fund Risk Characteristics Fees & Commissions Low Indicative Interest Rates1 Capital Investment Loan Interest in Advance Loan Initial Adviser Fee Early Termination Fee Leverage 8.35% p.a. to 8.80% p.a. 9.00% p.a. An amount agreed between investor and adviser Up to $500 Credit Risk High 2 Liquidity Risk Concentration Moderate 1 Volatility Up to 0.55% (inc. GST) 1. No Capital Investment Loan. 2. Capital Investment Loan used. 1. Actual interest rates will be determined on 20 December 2010. 2. Brokerage fee is payable if investor chooses to receive cash payment from the sale of the Delivery Asset. Risk categories are based on Lonsec’s qualitative opinion of the risks inherent in the product’s asset class and the risks relative to other products in the relevant Lonsec sector universe. Brokerage Fee2 WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT POTENTIAL INVESTORS READ THE PRODUCT DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 1 Capital Series Protect120 Lonsec Opinion of this Product Issuer Profile An investment in Protect120 offers investors the opportunity to gain medium term exposure to the price growth of the Australian equity market (Strategy 1) and the Chinese, European and US equity markets (Strategy 2) with the benefit of 100% capital protection at maturity. Lonsec views the structure created by CBA as an efficient means of providing capital protected access to the Reference Assets. The Issuer and Lender of Protect120 is CBA, holder of Australian Financial Services Licence No. 234945. CBA is one of Australia‟s leading financial institutions founded under the Commonwealth Bank Act in 1911 and commenced operations in 1912. Investors can choose to gain exposure to the Reference Assets via a managed fund or an exchange traded fund, receive dividends and any franking credits and be exposed to both positive and negative price movements. However, Protect120 offers exposure to the Reference Assets with the benefit of 100% capital protection at maturity. Investors should note they are not entitled to receive any dividends or franking credits. CBA may also lend up to 100% of the investment amount to approved investors. The two strategies represent a trade-off between the level of capital protection and growth potential. This has become a feature of this style of product following the extreme volatility in financial markets (relative to levels over the past several years). Investors should note the calculation to determine the final value at maturity is a point-to-point calculation. This means investors receive the benefit if the Reference Asset increases strongly towards maturity. However, the cap levels applied to the strategies means investors do not receive the full benefit of any increase in the Reference Asset above the cap. Any sharp fall close to maturity has the potential to erode earlier gains. Lonsec believes the Reference Assets used in Protect120 are appropriate for investors seeking passive exposure to the Australian equity market (Strategy 1) and the Chinese, European and US equity markets (Strategy 2). The underlying indices offer broad representation, investability and transparency. The indices are widely recognised in the industry and provide clear rules for security selection and exclusion. Importantly, the indices used are sponsored and calculated independently of the Issuer. Lonsec considers the CBA to be a suitably qualified and experienced provider of structured investment products. Various components of the product pricing are based on the Issuer‟s costs and option hedging prices, some of which the Issuer determines in its discretion. As is often the case with structured product pricing generally, these prices will not be transparent to the investor. CBA is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX code: CBA) and is regulated by APRA as an authorised deposit-taking institution. Commsec, a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of CBA and Participant of the ASX Group, administers Protect120 and acts as Broker to the Issuer. An investment in Protect120 is not a bank deposit. How does the Product Work? Protect120 is a hold to maturity investment and the structure of the product can be illustrated as follows: Investor Loan Amount (if Loan used) Investment Amount & Fees Deferred Purchase Agreement CBA Issuer & Lender Options over Reference Assets Zero Coupon Bond Using their own funds, or a loan from the Lender, investors enter into a Deferred Purchase Agreement with the Issuer for the Investment Amount and will receive the Delivery Assets at maturity. Initially, and throughout the 5.5 year investment term, investors may pay fees and other costs such as interest and brokerage fees. The Issuer provides investors with the strategy exposure by using the Investment Amount and fees to purchase options over the Reference Asset(s) and a zero coupon bond. The bond provides capital protection for investors at maturity. Protect120 offers two strategies whose returns are determined by the performance of the respective Reference Asset(s) on a “point to point” basis between the Start Date and the Maturity Date, subject to performance on any of the 10 Observation Dates. Lock-In Event For Strategy 1, the Lock-In Level is the Initial Reference Level (value of Reference Asset on the Start Date) multiplied by 120%. A Lock-In Event will Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 2 Capital Series Protect120 occur if the Reference Level equals or is above the Lock-In Level on any of the ten Observation Dates (see Part 2 of the PDS for the dates). For Strategy 2, the Lock-In Level is the average of the Initial Reference Levels (values of Reference Assets on the Start Date) multiplied by 120%. A Lock-In Event will occur if the average Reference Level of the three Reference Assets equals or is above the Lock-In Level on any of the ten Observation Dates (approximately semi-annual from June 2011). If a Lock-In Event occurs, the investor will receive a minimum Maturity Value of 120% of their Investment Amount. The three indices are the Hang Seng Index, the EURO STOXX 50 Index and the S&P 500 Index. Investors in Strategy 2 will not receive any distributions during the investment term. Strategy 2 offers 100% capital protection only at maturity. The Participation Rate will be 100% and performance is limited to a maximum average performance of 80% for the Underlying Portfolio. In respect of each Reference Asset, the Reference Asset Return equals: Final Reference Level – Initial Reference Level (%) Initial Reference Level Strategy 1 Strategy 1 provides investors with exposure to the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index. When a Lock-In Event has occurred, the Underlying Portfolio Return equals the greater of: Investors in Strategy 1 will not receive any distributions during the investment term. a) (sum of the three Reference Asset Returns) / 3; and b) 20.00% Strategy 1 offers 100% capital protection only at maturity. The Participation Rate will be 100% and performance is limited to a maximum level of 80% above the Reference Asset‟s initial level. When a Lock-In Event has occurred, the Reference Asset Return equals the greater of: Final Reference Level – Initial Reference Level ; and Initial Reference Level a) OR When a Lock-In Event has not occurred the Underlying Portfolio Return equals: (sum of the three Reference Asset Returns) / 3 The Strategy Portfolio Return is equal to the lower of: a) Underlying Portfolio Return x Participation Rate (expressed as a percentage); and b) 80.00% b) 20.00% Maturity Value for both Strategies OR The Maturity Value equals the greater of: When a Lock-In Event has not occurred the Reference Asset Return equals: Final Reference Level – Initial Reference Level a) Investment Amount + (Investment Amount x Strategy Portfolio Return); and (%) Initial Reference Level b) Investment Amount The Maturity Value for both strategies, provided investors do not terminate their investment prior to maturity, is illustrated below. The Strategy Portfolio Return is equal to the lower of: a) Reference Asset Return x Participation Rate (expressed as a percentage); and b) 80.00% Strategy 2 Investors in Strategy 2 are exposed to the performance of an equally weighted basket of stock market indices in Hong Kong, Europe and the US. Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 3 Capital Series Protect120 The chart below shows the historical performance of the index since 30 September 2003. Maturity Value as a percentage of Investment Amount (%) 200 190 S&P/ASX 200 Price Return Index 7000 180 170 6500 160 6000 150 140 5500 130 Lock-In Event occurs 5000 120 No Lock-In Event occurs 110 4500 100 4000 Reference Asset Return (Strategy 1) or Underlying Porfolio Return (Strategy 2) at Maturity 3500 3000 Sep 03 This means that the Maturity Value cannot be greater than 180% of the Investment Amount. Sep 04 Sep 05 Sep 06 Sep 07 Sep 08 Sep 09 Sep 10 Source: Bloomberg, Lonsec Early termination by investors voids the capital protection and will incur an Early Termination Fee. Strategy 2 Scenario Analysis Section 4 within Part 2 of the PDS outlines several hypothetical scenarios which demonstrate the Lock-In Event mechanism and calculations outlined above. Strategy 2 provides investors with exposure to an equally weighted basket of three indices; the Hang Seng Index, the EURO STOXX 50 Index and the S&P 500 Index. Hang Seng Index Reference Assets Strategy 1 The S&P/ASX 200 Index is recognised as the investable benchmark for the Australian equity market. The S&P/ASX 200 Index is maintained by the S&P Australian Index Committee, a team of five including three Standard & Poor‟s economists and index analysts and two Australian Securities Exchange representatives. The Index Committee reviews constituents quarterly to ensure adequate market capitalisation and liquidity. Both market capitalisation and liquidity are assessed using the previous six months data. The following table outlines the historical performance of the index over the various periods ending 30 September 2010: The Hang Seng Index is a free-float adjusted, market capitalisation weighted index made up of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Constituent weights are capped at 15% and composition is reviewed quarterly. The index is the most widely quoted indicator of the performance of the Hong Kong stock market. The following table outlines the historical performance of the Hang Seng Index over the various periods ending 30 September 2010: Hang Seng Index (HKD) Period Performance (% pa) 1 Yr 3 Yrs 5 Yrs 7 yrs 6.7 -6.3 7.7 10.3 Standard Deviation (% pa) 16.1 30.7 25.6 22.8 Worst Drawdown (%) -9.6 -59.1 -59.1 -59.1 Source: Hang Seng Indexes Company, Lonsec S&P/ASX 200 Price Return Index Period 1 Yr EURO STOXX 50 Index 3 Yrs 5 Yrs 7 yrs Performance (% pa) -3.4 -11.3 -0.3 5.4 Standard Deviation (% pa) 14.7 18.8 16.0 14.3 -11.8 -50.5 -50.5 -50.5 Worst Drawdown (%) Source: S&P, Lonsec The EURO STOXX 50 Index is the Eurozone‟s leading Blue-chip index. The index provides exposure to Europe‟s leading companies across all major sectors. The index covers 50 stocks from 12 Eurozone countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 4 Capital Series Protect120 Portugal and Spain. The index is weighted by free float market capitalisation and each constituent's weight is capped at 10% of the index's total free float market capitalisation. The free float weights are reviewed quarterly and index composition reviewed annually. The following table outlines the historical performance of the EURO STOXX 50 Index over the various periods ending 30 September 2010: The chart below shows the historical performance of the basket and the constituent Reference Assets since 30 September 2003. The Reference Asset that has contributed the most to historical performance has been the Hang Seng Index. 300 250 EURO STOXX 50 Index (EUR) Period 1 Yr 3 Yrs 5 Yrs 7 yrs Performance (% pa) -4.3 -14.4 -4.3 2.0 Standard Deviation (% pa) 18.5 23.4 19.2 17.3 -13.2 -56.0 -56.2 -56.2 Worst Drawdown (%) Source: Stoxx, Lonsec 50 Sep-03 Standard and Poor's 500 Index is a capitalisationweighted index of 500 US stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad US domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The following table outlines the historical performance of the index over various periods ending 30 September 2010. S&P 500 Index (USD) 1 Yr Performance (% pa) Standard Deviation (% pa) Worst Drawdown (%) 3 Yrs 5 Yrs 7 yrs 8.0 -9.2 -1.5 2.0 19.1 21.8 17.6 15.6 -13.1 -52.6 -52.6 -52.6 Source: S&P, Lonsec The following table outlines the historical performance of the basket over the various periods ending 30 September 2010: Equally weighted basket 1 Yr Performance (% pa) 3 Yrs 5 Yrs 7 yrs 3.6 -9.6 0.9 5.0 Standard Deviation (% pa) 16.3 23.7 19.3 17.1 Worst Drawdown (%) -9.8 -55.7 -55.7 -55.7 Source: Lonsec Sep-04 Sep-05 Sep-06 Sep-07 Sep-08 Sep-09 Basket Hang Seng Index EURO STOXX 50 Index S&P 500 Index Sep-10 Source: Lonsec What happens at Maturity? At maturity investors have a choice of receiving physical delivery of the Delivery Asset (units in SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund) or instructing CBA to sell the Delivery Asset and realise sale proceeds equal to the maturity value of Protect120 (calculated as described previously). This arrangement is known as a deferred purchase agreement. If investors choose to receive cash payment from the sale of the Delivery Asset, they will incur a Brokerage Fee of up to 0.55% of the maturity value. Different taxation implications may result from the choice made by investors. Investors are advised to seek their own taxation advice. Equally weight basket of Strategy 2 Reference Assets Period 150 100 S&P 500 Index Period 200 Financing the Investment Investors may use their own funds to enter into an investment in Protect120 or may apply to CBA for a loan to fund their investment. Capital Investment Loan Investors may apply for a full recourse Capital Investment Loan from the Lender to fund up to 100% of the Investment Amount, subject to the Lender‟s credit approval process. Investors have the following interest rate and interest payment options for the Capital Investment Loan: Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 5 Capital Series Protect120 Indicative Interest Rates Period Payment Timing Variable 8.80% p.a. Start Date to Settlement Date Payable monthly in arrears Fixed 8.35% p.a. Start Date to Settlement Date Payable annually in advance Start Date to Settlement Date Payable monthly in arrears 8.50% p.a. Actual interest rates will be determined on or about 20 December 2010 and published on the Commsec website at commsec.com.au/capital. Interest in Advance Loan Capital Investment Loan borrowers may apply for an optional full recourse Interest in Advance Loan to fund yearly interest payments. If approved, the Interest in Advance Loan will commence on the date the loan is drawn down and continue for 12 months. The investor must pay principal and interest on the Interest in Advance Loan in 12 monthly payments starting 20 December 2010. By applying for the Interest in Advance Loan, the Lender takes the investor to have applied for a further Interest in Advance Loan for each subsequent year, unless the investor informs the Lender otherwise. The indicative interest rate for the Interest in Advance Loan is 9.00% p.a. The actual interest rate will be determined on or about 20 December 2010 and published on the Commsec website at commsec.com.au/capital. Risks An investment in Protect120 carries a number of standard investment risks associated with domestic and international investment markets. These include economic, political, legal, tax and regulatory risks. These and other risks are outlined in Section 2.4 of Part 2 of the PDS and should be read in full and understood by investors. Lonsec considers the major risks to be: Performance risk – The value of an investment in Protect120 is dependent on the performance of the Reference Asset(s). The Reference Assets can be affected by many different factors including but not limited to interest rates, economic policies, political events, war and natural events. There is no guarantee the value of Protect120 will increase over the investment term. Leverage risk – Investors utilising the Capital Investment Loan or other loans should be aware that gains and losses are magnified through the use of borrowings. Counterparty risk – Investors are exposed to the creditworthiness of CBA, as Protect120 returns are dependent on CBA performing its obligations as they fall due. Loss of Capital Protection – Capital protection is only provided at maturity. In certain circumstances, such as changes in the law or where an index can no longer be used, an early maturity could ensue. Loss of capital protection can also result from an early redemption request from an investor. An investor may receive proceeds less than their initial investment in the event of an early maturity. Investors using the full recourse Capital Investment Loan may be required repay any remaining principal from their own funds. Exercise of discretion by CBA – CBA has wide powers under the Protect120 to determine the value of the investment. This can occur where there is an adjustment event such as the cancellation of an index or where an index sponsor makes a material change to the method of calculation. This also includes substitution of the Delivery Asset with another security. Taxation Any gains made by investors in relation to Protect120 and the Delivery Asset should generally be on capital account for tax purposes and subject to taxation under the capital gains tax rules. Lonsec advises potential investors to consult a taxation specialist before making a decision to invest (or not to invest) based upon these taxation considerations. Investors should refer to Section 4 of Part 1 and Section 5 of Part 2 of the PDS. Liquidity Protect120 is not listed on the Australian Securities Exchange or any other exchange. Due to the nature of the investment, investors should have the intention of holding an investment in Protect120 to maturity. However, CBA has discretion to accept early termination requests. Capital protection will not apply to any investment terminated prior to the maturity date. Investors should be aware that at the time of early termination, CBA will take into account Break Costs associated with unwinding the hedging arrangements in calculating the Early Termination Value. Break Costs may be significant and may or may not be in an investor‟s favour. Investors will also have to pay an Early Termination Fee of up to $500. Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 6 Capital Series Protect120 For investors utilising the Capital Investment Loan, any termination prior to maturity will require repayment of the Capital Investment Loan and any additional costs associated with terminating the loan. Investors may be required repay any outstanding principal from their own funds. Further Information Further information and monthly net asset values can be obtained by contacting CBA. Igor Kolevski: 0433 799 205 Moghseen Jadwat: 0424 186 195 Phone: 1300 786 039 Email: capitalseries@cba.com.au Internet: commsec.com.au/capital Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group This information must be read in conjunction with the Warning, Disclaimer, and Disclosure at the end of this document 7 Capital Series Protect120 Analyst Disclosure & Certification Analyst remuneration is not linked to the rating outcome. The Analyst(s) may hold the products(s) referred to in this document, but Lonsec considers such holdings not to be sufficiently material to compromise the rating or advice. Analyst(s) holdings may change during the life of this document. The Analyst(s) certify that the views expressed in this document accurately reflect their personal, professional opinion about the financial product(s) to which this document refers. Date Prepared: October 2010 Analyst: Stewart Gault Release Authorised by: Michael Elsworth IMPORTANT NOTICE: The following relate to this document prepared and published by Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 ("Lonsec") and should be read before making any investment decision about the product(s). This report, dated October 2010, expires when the initial offer closes or if there are any material changes in relation to the information contained in this report or any disclosure or offer document issued in relation to this offer. Lonsec reserves the right to change its opinion, rating and/or withdraw the report at any time on reasonable grounds. Disclosure at the date of publication: Lonsec receive a fee from the Issuer or distributor for rating the product(s) using comprehensive and objective criteria. Lonsec‟s fee is not linked to the rating outcome. Costs incurred during the rating process of international funds, including travel and accommodation expenses are paid for by the fund Manager to enable on-site reviews. Lonsec does not hold the product(s) referred to in this document. Lonsec‟s representatives and/or their associates may hold the product(s) referred to in this document, but detail of these holdings are not known to the Analyst(s). Warnings: Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any express or implied rating or advice presented in this document is limited to “General Advice” and based solely on consideration of the investment merits of the financial product(s) alone, without taking into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs („financial circumstances‟) of any particular person. Before making an investment decision based on the rating or advice, the reader must consider whether it is personally appropriate in light of his or her financial circumstances or should seek further advice on its appropriateness. If our General Advice relates to the acquisition or possible acquisition of particular financial product(s), the reader should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement for each financial product before making any decision about whether to acquire a product. Lonsec‟s rating process relies upon the publicly available information published by the Issuer. Should the Issuer or Distributor no longer be an active participant in Lonsec rating process, Lonsec reserves the right to withdraw the document at any time and discontinue future coverage of the CBA Capital Series Protect120. Disclaimer: This document is for the exclusive use of the person to whom it is provided by Lonsec and must not be used or relied upon by any other person. No representation, warranty or undertaking is given or made in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented in this document, which is drawn from public information not verified by Lonsec. Conclusions, ratings and advice are reasonably held at the time of completion but subject to change without notice. Lonsec assumes no obligation to update this document following publication. Except for any liability which cannot be excluded, Lonsec, its directors, employees and agents disclaim all liability for any error or inaccuracy in, or omission from, this document or any loss or damage suffered by the reader or any other person as a consequence of relying upon it. Lonsec Limited ABN 56 061 751 102 • AFSL No. 246842 • Participant of ASX Group 8