Structured Capital Strategiessm Variable Annuity Series upside market potential some downside protection Variable Annuities: Are Not a Deposit of Any Bank Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Are Not Guaranteed by Any Bank or Savings Association May Go Down in Value AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (NY, NY) lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit nam b
what is a variable annuity? A variable annuity is a long-term financial product designed for retirement purposes. It is a contract between you and an insurance company that lets you pursue the accumulation of assets through equities and other investment options with the benefit of tax deferral. The power of tax deferral allows your investment to benefit from not paying taxes on any gains and earn compounded growth year after year. You will pay taxes when distributions are made from the annuity. You may then take payments or a lump sum amount at a later date. There is also a death benefit that returns the account value, if any, to beneficiaries. There are fees and charges associated with Structured Capital Strategies sm, which include a contract fee that covers administrative expenses, sales expenses and certain expense risks. There is also a withdrawal charge and underlying variable investment portfolio expenses. Information on Structured Capital Strategies sm fees and charges can be found in the accompanying Fact Card and Prospectus. It is important to know that variable annuities are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of principal invested. Withdrawals from your contract value may be subject to withdrawal charges. The taxable portion of any withdrawal from an annuity contract is ordinary income, not capital gain. Withdrawals will come from any gain in the contract first for income tax purposes. An additional 10% federal income tax penalty may also apply to withdrawals taken before age 59½. Structured Capital Strategies sm is an innovative, tax-deferred structured growth strategy that includes a built-in protection feature, providing you with the opportunity to invest for growth up to a Performance Cap Rate with some downside protection. There are several investment options available, some of which allow you to participate in the upside performance potential of indices that track certain domestic, international and commodities markets up to a Performance Cap Rate. In Structured Capital Strategies sm, you invest to accumulate value on a tax-deferred basis in one or more of our variable investment options and/or in one of the Segments comprising the Structured Investment Option. This brochure is not a complete description of Structured Capital Strategies sm. In order to fully understand Structured Capital Strategies sm and how it works, it is important to read the prospectus and the following, accompanying material: Planning for Your Future/Participation with Protection: This step-by-step brochure introduces all of the investment options and describes how you can tailor these options to meet your investment goals. Structured Capital Strategies sm Fact Card: A concise guide to the key product details. Investment Option Cards: A series of individual cards providing information on each of the investment options available in Structured Capital Strategies sm.
worried about the market? you re not alone The unpredictability and volatility of the domestic and global markets in recent years have left many investors apprehensive about investing as they strive to protect against further losses in their retirement savings or overall net worth. You may share some of this apprehension. Are you: Somewhat fearful of entering, or re-entering, the equities market? Choosing to take a conservative position by tucking money away in low-risk, low-reward, cash-based investment products? Worried that, in your effort to protect your assets, you may not be giving yourself sufficient opportunity to grow your wealth or retirement portfolio to meet your goals? Equity investing has been widely accepted as a means to potentially grow long-term wealth while helping to outpace inflation. So, you owe it to yourself and your future to explore ways to benefit from potential growth while protecting your investment. We at AXA Equitable listened to the concerns of investors who became fearful of the equity markets, and have been seeking strategies to help them pursue growth with greater confidence. Our response is Structured Capital Strategies sm.
in it for the long haul Climbing the Peaks and Valleys along the Way Although equities have fluctuated in value over short periods of time, when held over a long period, they have historically outperformed fixed-rate investments, intermediateand long-term bonds and inflation during most periods. Hypothetical Growth of $1 in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation (1926 2009) As this chart demonstrates, despite numerous peaks and valleys over 84 years, stocks delivered over 11% growth from 1926 through 2009. Naturally, you may not have over 80 years in which to grow your investments. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the day you invest can make a difference in the outcome. Structured Capital Strategies sm provides you with the opportunity to return to, or enter into, the market with the ability to capture a portion of those short-term peaks, while limiting the valleys. $10,000 1,000 Compound Annual Return Small Company Stocks 11.9% Large Company Stocks 9.8% Government Bonds 5.4% Treasury Bills 3.7% Inflation 3.0% 100 10 1.10 1926 1936 1946 1956 1966 1976 1986 1996 2 in it for the long haul
2006 2009 $12,231 $2,592 Ending Wealth $84 $21 $12 Ibbotson SBBI 1926 2009 An 84-year examination of past capital market returns provides historical insight into the performance characteristics of various asset classes. This graph illustrates the hypothetical growth of inflation and a $1 investment in four traditional asset classes over the time period January 1, 1926 through December 31, 2009. Assumes reinvestment of income and no transaction costs or taxes. Please keep in mind that this chart does not reflect returns connected in any way to Structured Capital Strategies sm. About the data: Large and small stocks have provided the highest returns and largest increases in wealth over the past 84 years. As illustrated in the image, fixed-income investments provide only a fraction of the growth provided by stocks. However, the higher returns achieved by stocks are associated with much greater risks, which can be identified by the volatility or the fluctuation of the graph lines. Government Bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government as to the timely payment of principal and interest, while stocks are not guaranteed and have been more volatile than the other asset classes. Furthermore, small stocks are more volatile than large stocks, are subject to significant price fluctuations and business risks, and are thinly traded. Small stocks in this example are represented by the fifth capitalization quintile of stocks on the NYSE for 1926 1981 and the performance of the Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. (DFA) U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio thereafter. Large stocks are represented by the Standard & Poor s 500, which is an unmanaged group of securities and considered to be representative of the stock market in general. Government Bonds are represented by the 20-year U.S. Government Bond, Treasury Bills by the 30-day U.S. Treasury Bill, and inflation by the Consumer Price Index. Underlying data is from the Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation (SBBI ) Yearbook, by Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex Sinquefield, updated annually. This is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any investment. An investment cannot be made directly into an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. in it for the long haul 3
Cash, Bonds or Stocks Which Were the Winners? Over periods of five to 10 years, avoiding equities may negatively impact investment earnings. The chart below looks back to 1926 and indicates whether cash, bonds or stocks delivered the best returns over various time periods. When comparing the performance of cash, bonds and stocks for each period, you ll see that while cash and bonds have done well at times, stocks have had the best performance over time. Best asset class (1926 2008) Cash Bonds Stocks were best Single calendar years 12 of 83 23 of 83 48 of 83 Rolling 5-year periods 4 of 79 19 of 79 56 of 79 Rolling 10-year periods 6 of 74 10 of 74 58 of 74 Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. An investment cannot be made directly in an equity or bond index. All results calculated for period between 1926 2008. Source: Ibbotson cash (30-day U.S. Treasury Bills); bonds (Citigroup Long-Term High-Grade Corporate Bond Index); stocks (Standard & Poor s 500 Composite Index). Citigroup Long-Term High-Grade Corporate Bond Index includes corporate bond issues that have at least 10 years to maturity and a minimum credit rating of AA-/Aa3. Standard and Poor s 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common stocks. The indices are unmanaged, and their results assume reinvested distributions but do not reflect sales charges, commissions or expenses. Sure you re anxious about getting into the market. Who isn t? But you might feel better with potential upside market participation and some downside protection. the 800lb gorilla in the room 4 in it for the long haul
Emotional Traps Can Undermine Investment Success Throughout history, the stock market has had its share of downturns and recoveries. Not only has it survived, but it has also rebounded and prospered. In many cases, however, overreacting during volatile times can be more damaging than market turbulence alone. Emotions can negatively impact your financial decisions, as you may find yourself buying when the market is up then selling when the market is down. They may prompt you to be too conservative at a time when a little risk could result in significant returns. Down markets may cause you to panic and seek out safe havens for your money. As illustrated by the chart below, when the market dropped, reactive trading or selling occurred and the opportunity for recovery was missed. Market flows and assets, June 2007 December 2009 Asset Inflow/Outflow $1,000,000 750,000 500,000 250,000 $MM 0-250,000-500,000-750,000 Asset Inflow/Outflow Stock Prices Dow Jones Industrial Average 15000 13200 11400 Points 9600 7800-1,000,000 6/07 9/07 12/07 3/08 6/08 9/08 12/08 3/09 6/09 9/09 12/09 6000 Market Flows Source: Strategic Insight (SI) and the following where applicable: Investment Company Institute (ICI), Lipper Inc. (LI), Morningstar Inc. (MS), and Form N-SAR filed with the SEC. Past performance is no guarantee of future results The aforementioned companies are not affiliated with each other. Stock Price Source: Dow Jones Industrial Average. Emotions may come into play when making investment decisions. Whether you are taking a conservative approach and packing your assets into money market accounts or following the latest trends and chasing recent returns, investing based on emotions is rarely the best course. Structured Capital Strategies sm allows you to participate in the equity market s potential upside growth up to a Performance Cap Rate while being protected from some of the downside risk. Such an approach may also give you a certain sense of confidence in your retirement planning. in it for the long haul 5
Define Your Investment Future This is the time to define your investment future. Structured Capital Strategies sm is designed with you in mind, factoring in your risk tolerance, time horizon and protection comfort level, while providing a wide array of investment options to suit your retirement needs. Now is the time to define your investment future and address your retirement goals. Structured Capital Strategies sm can help you build long-term wealth with a tax-deferred, structured growth strategy offering potential upside market participation, some downside protection, and preservation. This product also comes with AXA Equitable s reputation as a trusted name in the financial services industry for over 150 years. 6 in it for the long haul
participation Investment Choices The innovative choice of offerings in Structured Capital Strategies sm allows you to participate in the upside performance potential of indices that track the domestic, international and commodities markets up to a Performance Cap Rate. S&P 500 Price Return Index Russell 2000 Price Return Index MSCI EAFE Price Return Index London Gold Market Fixing Ltd PM Fix Price/USD 1 (Gold Index) NYMEX West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil Generic Front Month Futures 1 (Oil Index) 1 Available for IRA contracts only. Not available in all jurisdictions. Please see the back cover for additional important information about IRAs. You cannot invest directly in an index. Time Frames With the Structured Investment Option, you also have the ability to choose from the following time frames, or Segment Durations: One Year Three Years Five Years By diversifying your investment portfolio with one or more of the above-mentioned indices and time frames, you have the choice to work within your risk comfort level and also address your investment objectives. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against market loss. participation 7
protection To address down market fears, the Structured Investment Option provides the choice of one or several indices and maturity options, and in addition, it includes a downside protection feature, called a Segment Buffer. The Segment Buffer provides you with the opportunity to invest for growth while helping to minimize loss at Segment Maturity. The Structured Investment Option comprises the following 15 Segment Types Segment Duration 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year S&P 500 Russell 2000 MSCI EAFE Gold 1 Oil 1 S&P 500 Russell 2000 S&P 500 Russell 2000 S&P 500 Russell 2000 S&P 500 Russell 2000 Participation S&P 500 Russell 2000 Protection * Segment Buffer 10% Segment Buffer 20% Segment Buffer 30% *You are protected from some downside risk. If the negative return is in excess of the Segment Buffer, there is a risk of loss of principal. The Structured Investment Option does not involve an investment in any underlying portfolio. Instead, it is an obligation of, and subject to the claimspaying ability of, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. Segment Type Combination of the index, duration and buffer you choose is what distinguishes your investment option. Segment Buffer Built-in protection feature, in which AXA Equitable will absorb up to the first -10%, -20% or -30% of any loss. You will absorb the loss in excess of your Segment Buffer. Any built-in protection feature is available only at Segment Maturity. Segment Duration Segment Start Date to Segment Maturity Date, available in one, three, and five years. 1 Available for IRA contracts only. Not available in all jurisdictions. Please see the back cover for important information about IRAs. This product generally offers greater upside potential, but less downside protection, at maturity than fixed indexed annuities, which provide a guaranteed minimum return. Depending on the index and duration you choose, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, AXA Equitable will absorb the first -10%, -20% or -30% of any loss to help alleviate your down-market fears while capturing any potential gain up to the applicable Performance Cap Rate. The Performance Cap Rate is the maximum potential ceiling, or cap, that you may get from index gains. It may limit your potential in up markets. While you are protected from some downside risk, if the negative return is in excess of the Segment Buffer, there is a risk of substantial loss because you agree to absorb all losses to the extent they exceed the protection provided by the Structured Investment Option at maturity. If you would like a guarantee of principal, we offer other products that provide such guarantees. Please also note that Segment Types with greater protection tend to have lower Performance Cap Rates than other Segment Types that use the same index and duration but provide less protection. 8 protection
The Structured Investment Option at Work Following are four hypothetical examples, illustrating how your Segment Rate of Return would be calculated at maturity in both up and down markets. Hypothetical Assumptions: Index: S&P 500 Segment Duration: 5 Years 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% -5% -10% -15% -20% -25% -30% Scenario 1 The Index returns 15%. Since the return falls below the Cap, you realize the full 15% Index return. 17% Performance Cap Rate 15% 15% -20% Segment Buffer Scenario 2 The Index returns -20%. The -20% Buffer absorbs the loss and the Segment s Rate of Return is 0%. -20% 0% Scenario 3 The Index returns 20%. Given the Performance Cap Rate, your Segment s Rate of Return is 17%. Performance Cap Rate: 17% Segment Buffer: -20% Performance Cap Rate There is a maximum potential ceiling, or cap, that you may get from index gains. It may limit your potential in up markets. While you are protected from some downside risk, if the negative return exceeds the Segment Buffer, there is a risk of a substantial loss of your principal. For more details, see the Protection section of this brochure. Segment Rate of Return Is equal to the Index Performance Rate, but not exceeding the Performance Cap Rate, and subject to the Segment Buffer. Keep in mind that the Segment performance is not an annual rate of return, but is measured from the Segment Start Date to the day the Segment matures. This chart is a hypothetical example of how the Structured Investment Option would work. Please keep in mind that although the contract fee that would be deducted from the Segment Type Holding Account would not reduce the Segment Performance Rate of Returns shown in this example, it would reduce the overall return in the contract. The Segment Type Holding Account holds all contributions and transfers until you invest in a Segment. 20% 17% Scenario 4 The Index returns -25%. The Segment Buffer absorbs 20% of the decline, leaving you with only a 5% loss. -25% S&P 500 Your Segment -5% Upside Participation Downside Protection. Loss absorbed by AXA Equitable. Additional Investment Options AXA Equitable understands that some investors might prefer investment options without performance caps, based on whether they feel more bullish or bearish on the equity or bond market. This is why we offer Variable Investment Options as part of Structured Capital Strategies sm. Depending on your investment outlook and degree of risk tolerance, you can invest in three Variable Investment Options, which do not have time frames, downside protection features or Performance Cap Rates. Your investment return is dependent on the performance of the underlying portfolios, is subject to market fluctuations and could include loss of principal. Variable Investment Options are: EQ/Equity 500 Index EQ/Core Bond Index EQ/Money Market protection 9
preservation A Trusted Name in Financial Services AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company stands among the nation s premier providers of life insurance and annuity products. For over 150 years, we ve been working with families to build sound financial futures by helping them preserve and maximize their assets. With our long track record, we ve been through many challenging periods and have come out stronger and still remain well positioned to continue to lead into the future. AXA Equitable is part of the global AXA Group, 2 among the world s largest financial services organizations 3 and a global leader in financial protection strategies and wealth management. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company has sole legal responsibility to pay amounts it owes under the contract. An owner should look to the financial strength of AXA Equitable for its claims-paying ability. AXA Group s numbers speak for themselves: AXA was the second-largest publicly traded global insurance company in terms of total sales in 2009, according to statistics compiled by Forbes magazine. 3 96 million individual and corporate clients 4 Operations in 57 countries 4 1,104 billion Euros in assets under management 5 AXA Equitable s assets under management totaled $559.9 billion as of 12/31/2010 6 2 AXA Group refers to AXA, a French holding company for an international group of insurance and financial services companies, together with its direct and indirect consolidated subsidiaries. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of AXA. 3 Forbes, The World s Leading Companies (Global 2000), April 21, 2010. 4 Estimate as of 12/31/09. The AXA Group At A Glance, 2010. 5 As of 12/31/10. Figure is $1,482 billion using 12/31/10 closing exchange rate of Euro 1 = $1.342. AXA is based in France, where the official currency is the Euro. 6 AXA Equitable s assets under management are inclusive of assets under management held by an affiliate, AllianceBernstein L.P. 10 preservation
You Owe It to Yourself This is the time to define your investment future. Structured Capital Strategies sm is designed with you in mind, factoring in your risk tolerance, time horizon and protection comfort level while providing a wide array of investment options to suit your retirement needs. Structured Capital Strategies sm, a tax-deferred growth strategy, allows you potential participation in the upside performance potential of indices; some protection against down markets; and wealth preservation with our long track record of successfully helping individuals for over 150 years. Working with your Financial Professional, you can create a personal investment strategy to fit within your financial goals. Let Structured Capital Strategies sm work for you. preservation 11
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important considerations AXA Equitable, upon advance notice to you, may discontinue, suspend or change contributions and transfers among investment options, Segment offerings or make other changes in contribution and transfer requirements and limitations. There is a risk of substantial loss of principal for losses beyond the Segment Buffer because you agree to absorb all losses that exceed the Segment Buffer. Your Segment Rate of Return may be limited by the Performance Cap Rate, which may be lower than the performance of the applicable index. The Performance Cap Rate is not known before the Segment starts. Therefore, you will not know in advance the upper limit on the return that may be credited to your Segment. Negative consequences may apply if for any reason amounts invested in a Segment are removed before the Segment Maturity Date. Withdrawals from an annuity contract are taxable as ordinary income, not as capital gain and, if made prior to age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty. Withdrawals may also be subject to contractual withdrawal charges. The contractual withdrawal charge declines from 5% over a five-year period for the Structured Capital Strategies sm Variable Annuity Series B. For tax purposes, withdrawals will come from any gain in the contract first. See the accompanying Structured Capital Strategies sm Fact Card and Prospectus for additional information on fees and charges associated with Structured Capital Strategies sm. Certain types of contracts and features will not be available in all jurisdictions. For costs and complete details of coverage, speak to your financial professional. We offer other variable annuity contracts with different fees, charges and features. Not every contract is available through the same selling broker/dealer. If you are purchasing an annuity contract as an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA), you should be aware that such annuities do not provide tax deferral benefits beyond those already provided by the Internal Revenue Code. Before purchasing one of these annuities, you should consider whether its features and benefits beyond tax deferral meet your needs and goals. You may also want to consider the relative features, benefits and costs of these annuities with any other investment that you may use in connection with your retirement plan or arrangement. This brochure was prepared to support the promotion and marketing of AXA Equitable variable annuities. AXA Equitable, its distributors and their respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state or local tax penalties. Please consult your financial professional as to any tax, accounting or legal statements made herein. For further information on the Performance Cap Rate and the risks and limitations with the Structured Capital Strategies sm product, please refer to Structured Capital Strategies sm Planning for Your Future/Participation with Protection Brochure and Fact Card. This brochure is not a complete description of all material provisions of the Structured Capital Strategies sm variable annuity contract. This brochure must be preceded or accompanied by a current Structured Capital Strategies sm prospectus and any applicable supplements. The prospectus contains more complete information, including investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, limitations and restrictions. Please read the prospectus and any applicable supplements, and consider this information carefully before purchasing a contract. S&P, Standard & Poor s, S&P 500 and Standard & Poor s 500 are trademarks of Standard & Poor s Financial Services LLC ( Standard & Poor s ) and have been licensed for use by AXA Equitable. Structured Capital Strategies sm is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor s and Standard & Poor s does not make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in Structured Capital Strategies sm. The S&P 500 Price Return Index comprises 500 of the largest companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. Larger, more established companies may not be able to attain potentially higher growth rates of smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. The Russell 2000 Index is a trademark of Russell Investments and has been licensed for use by AXA Equitable. The Product is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Russell Investments and Russell Investments makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Product. The Russell 2000 Index tracks the performance of small-cap companies. Stocks of small and mid-size companies have less liquidity than those of larger companies and are subject to greater price volatility than the overall stock market. Smaller company stocks involve a greater risk than is customarily associated with more established companies. The Product referred to herein is not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI bears no liability with respect to any such Product or any index on which such Product is based. The prospectus contains a more detailed description of the limited relationship MSCI has with AXA Equitable and any related products. The MSCI EAFE Price Return Index is a sampling of securities deemed by MSCI as designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed European, Australasian and Far East (EAFE) markets. Australasia includes Australia, New Zealand and neighboring islands of the South Pacific. International securities carry additional risks, including currency exchange fluctuation and different government regulations, economic conditions or accounting standards. The London Gold Market Fixing Ltd PM Fix Price/USD (Gold Index) (Available in IRA contracts only. Not available in all jurisdictions.) is an international benchmark for the price of Gold. Because this Investment Segment is tracked to the commodities industry it can be significantly affected by commodity process, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions. Apart from the risks associated with general commodity investing, there are risks to investing in the common stocks of commodity-producing companies. You should be willing to accept the risks that come with exposure to foreign and emerging markets, including political, economic and currency volatility. The NYMEX West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil Generic Front Month Futures (Oil Index) (Available in IRA contracts only. Not available in all jurisdictions.) is the underlying commodity index of oil futures contracts. Risks involved with futures contracts include imperfect correlation between the change in the market value of the stocks held by the portfolio and the prices of futures contracts and options, and the possible lack of a liquid secondary market for futures or options contracts, and the resulting inability to close a futures contract prior to its maturity date. Also, index options, over-the-counter options, and options on futures are exposed to additional volatility and potential losses. Structured Capital Strategies sm is a service mark of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10104. Structured Capital Strategies sm variable annuities are issued by AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10104. Co-distributed by affiliates AXA Advisors, LLC and AXA Distributors, LLC, New York, NY 10104. Visit our website at www.axa-equitable.com. You can contact us at (212) 554-1234 to find out the availability of other contracts. All guarantees, including any payments, are based on the claims-paying ability of AXA Equitable. Contract form #s: 2010PCSBASE-I-A/B and 2010PCSBASE-A/B and any state variations 2011 AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, (212) 554-1234 G26381 GE-55163 (9/10) Cat. #147264 (4/11) a lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit nam