Term sheet
To prospectus dated November 21, 2008,
prospectus supplement dated November 21, 2008 and
product supplement no. 39-A-I dated November 21, 2008

  Term sheet to
Product Supplement No. 39-A-I
Registration Statement No. 333-155535
Dated March 9, 2009; Rule 433

     

Structured 
Investments 

      JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$

Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index due 
March 11, 2011

General

Key Terms

Index:

The Russell 1000® Index (“RIY”) (the “Index”). For additional information about the Index, see Appendix A to this term sheet.

Upside Leverage Factor:

1.25

Payment at Maturity:

If the Ending Index Level is greater than the Initial Index Level, at maturity you will receive a cash payment that provides you with a return per $1,000 principal amount note equal to the Index Return multiplied by 1.25, subject to a Maximum Total Return on the notes of 35.00%*. For example, if the Index Return is equal to or greater than 28.00%, you will receive the Maximum Total Return on the notes of 35.00%*, which entitles you to a maximum payment at maturity of $1,350* for every $1,000 principal amount note that you hold. Accordingly, if the Index Return is positive, your payment at maturity per $1,000 principal amount note will be calculated as follows, subject to the Maximum Total Return:

 

$1,000 +[$1,000 x (Index Return x 1.25)]

*The actual Maximum Total Return and actual payment at maturity will be set on the pricing date and will not be less than 35.00% and $1,350 per $1,000 principal amount note, respectively.

 

Your principal is protected against up to a 20% decline of the Index at maturity. If the Ending Index Level declines from the Initial Index Level by up to 20%, you will receive the principal amount of your notes at maturity.

If the Ending Index Level declines from the Initial Index Level by more than 20%, you will lose 1% of the principal amount of your notes for every 1% that the Index declines beyond 20% and your final payment per $1,000 principal amount note will be calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + [$1,000 x (Index Return + 20%)]

 

If the Ending Index Level declines from the Initial Index Level by more than 20%, you could lose up to $800 per $1,000 principal amount note.

Buffer Amount:

20%, which results in a minimum payment of $200 per $1,000 principal amount note.

Index Return:

Ending Index Level – Initial Index Level
                 Initial Index Level

 

Initial Index Level

Initial Index Level:

The Index closing level on the pricing date, which is expected to be on or about March 9, 2009.

Ending Index Level:

The Index closing level on the Observation Date.

Observation Date:

March 8, 2011

Maturity Date:

March 11, 2011

CUSIP:

48123LL28

Subject to postponement in the event of a market disruption event and as described under “Description of Notes — Payment at Maturity” in the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I.

Investing in the Buffered Return Enhanced Notes involves a number of risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-10 of the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I and “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page TS-2 of this term sheet.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and the other documents relating to this offering that JPMorgan Chase & Co. has filed with the SEC for more complete information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, JPMorgan Chase & Co., any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, the prospectus supplement, product supplement no. 39-A-I and this term sheet if you so request by calling toll-free 866-535-9248.

You may revoke your offer to purchase the notes at any time prior to the time at which we accept such offer by notifying the applicable agent. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase the notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any changes to the terms of the notes, we will notify you and you will be asked to accept such changes in connection with your purchase. You may also choose to reject such changes in which case we may reject your offer to purchase.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the notes or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this term sheet or the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


 

Price to Public (1)

Fees and Commissions (2)

Proceeds to Us


Per note

$

$

$


Total

$

$

$


(1)

The price to the public includes the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the notes through one or more of our affiliates.

  

 

(2)

If the notes priced today, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., which we refer to as JPMSI, acting as agent for JPMorgan Chase & Co., would receive a commission of approximately $13.50 per $1,000 principal amount note and would use a portion of that commission to pay selling concessions to other dealers of approximately $1.00 per $1,000 principal amount note. This commission includes the projected profits that our affiliates expect to realize in consideration for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the notes. The actual commission received by JPMSI may be more or less than $13.50 and will depend on market conditions on the pricing date. In no event will the commission received by JPMSI, which includes concessions to be paid to other dealers, exceed $17.50 per $1,000 principal amount note. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page PS-193 of the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I.

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. The notes are not guaranteed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

JPMorgan

March 9, 2009


Additional Terms Specific to the Notes

You should read this term sheet together with the prospectus dated November 21, 2008, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated November 21, 2008 relating to our Series E medium-term notes of which these notes are a part, and the more detailed information contained in product supplement no. 39-A-I dated November 21, 2008. This term sheet, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the notes and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, fact sheets, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I, as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest in the notes.

You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 19617. As used in this term sheet, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Supplemental Information

The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the information set forth in the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I.

For purposes of the notes offered hereby, when the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I refers to an “Equity Index”, the “Equity Indices,” a “Basket Index,” the “Basket Indices,” a “Basket Component” or the “Basket Components,” each such reference is deemed to include the Russell 1000® Index.

Selected Purchase Considerations

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

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loss with respect to these instruments; the relevance of factors such as the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by Non-U.S. Holders should be subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” regime, which very generally can operate to recharacterize certain long-term capital gain as ordinary income that is subject to an interest charge. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the notes, possibly with retroactive effect. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including possible alternative treatments and the issues presented by this notice.

Subject to certain assumptions and representations received from us, the discussion in the preceding paragraph, when read in combination with the section entitled “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying product supplement, constitutes the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell regarding the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of notes.

Selected Risk Considerations

An investment in the notes involves significant risks. Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Index or in any of the component securities of the Index. These risks are explained in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying product supplement no. 39-A-I dated November 21, 2008.

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

 TS-2

What Is the Total Return on the Notes at Maturity Assuming a Range of Performance for the Index?

The following table illustrates the hypothetical total return at maturity on the notes. The “total return” as used in this term sheet is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the payment at maturity per $1,000 principal amount note to $1,000. The hypothetical total returns set forth below assume an Initial Index Level of 370 and a Maximum Total Return of 35.00%. The hypothetical total returns set forth below are for illustrative purposes only and may not be the actual total returns applicable to a purchaser of the notes. The numbers appearing in the following table and examples have been rounded for ease of analysis. 


Ending Index
Level

Index Return

Total Return


666.00

80.00%

35.000%

610.50

65.00%

35.000%

555.00

50.00%

35.000%

518.00

40.00%

35.000%

481.00

30.00%

35.000%

473.60

28.00%

35.000%

444.00

20.00%

25.000%

407.00

10.00%

12.500%

388.50

5.00%

6.250%

379.25

2.50%

3.125%

370.00

0.00%

0.00%

351.50

-5.00%

0.00%

333.00

-10.00%

0.00%

296.00

-20.00%

0.00%

259.00

-30.00%

-10.000%

222.00

-40.00%

-20.000%

185.00

-50.00%

-30.000%

148.00

-60.00%

-40.000%

111.00

-70.00%

-50.000%

74.00

-80.00%

-60.000%

37.00

-90.00%

-70.000%

0.00

-100.00%

-80.000%


 

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

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Hypothetical Examples of Amounts Payable at Maturity

The following examples illustrate how the total returns set forth in the table on the previous page are calculated.

Example 1: The level of the Index increases from the Initial Index Level of 370 to an Ending Index Level of 388.50. Because the Ending Index Level of 388.50 is greater than the Initial Index Level of 370 and the Index Return of 5% multiplied by 1.25 does not exceed the hypothetical Maximum Total Return of 35.00%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,062.50 per $1,000 principal amount note, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 x (5% x 1.25)] = $1,062.50

Example 2: The level of the Index decreases from the Initial Index Level of 370 to an Ending Index Level of 296. Although the Index Return is negative, because the Ending Index Level of 296 is less than the Initial Index Level of 370 by not more than the Buffer Amount of 20%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount note.

Example 3: The level of the Index increases from the Initial Index Level of 370 to an Ending Index Level of 481. Because the Ending Index Level of 481 is greater than the Initial Index Level of 370 and the Index Return of 30% multiplied by 1.25 exceeds the hypothetical Maximum Total Return of 35.00%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,350 per $1,000 principal amount note, the maximum payment on the notes.

Example 4: The level of the Index decreases from the Initial Index Level of 370 to an Ending Index Level of 222. Because the Ending Index Level of 222 is less than the Initial Index Level of 370 by more than the Buffer Amount of 20%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $800 per $1,000 principal amount note, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 x (-40% + 20%)]= $800

Example 5: The level of the Index decreases from the Initial Index Level of 370 to an Ending Index Level of 0. Because the Ending Index Level of 0 is less than the Initial Index Level of 370 by more than the Buffer Amount of 20%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $200 per $1,000 principal amount note, which reflects the principal protection provided by the Buffer Amount of 20%, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + [$1,000 x (-100% + 20%)] = $200

Historical Information

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the Russell 1000® Index based on the weekly Index closing level from January 2, 2004 through March 6, 2009. The Index closing level on March 6, 2009 was 371.22. We obtained the Index closing levels below from Bloomberg Financial Markets. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets.

The historical levels of the Index should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Index closing level on the Observation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Index will result in the return of any of your initial investment in excess of $200 per $1,000 principal amount note. 

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

 TS-4

APPENDIX A

The Russell 1000® Index

We have derived all information contained in this term sheet regarding the Russell 1000® Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, Russell Investments (“Russell”) We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. The Russell 1000® Index was developed by Russell Investment Group (formerly, Frank Russell Company) and is calculated, maintained and published by Russell, a subsidiary of Russell Investment Group. Russell has no obligation to publish, and may discontinue the publication of, the Russell 1000® Index.

The Russell 1000® Index measures the capitalization-weighted price performance of the stocks included in the Russell 1000® Index (the “Russell 1000 Component Stocks”). All stocks included in the Russell 1000® Index are traded on a major U.S. exchange. The Russell 1000® Index consists of the 1,000 largest companies included in the Russell 3000ETM Index, and is designed to track the performance of the large capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. The Russell 1000® Index represents approximately 92% of the U.S. equity market. The Russell 3000ETM Index is composed of the 4,000 largest U.S. companies as determined by market capitalization and represents approximately 99% of the U.S. equity market.

Selection of stocks underlying the Russell 1000® Index. The Russell 1000® Index is a sub-index of the Russell 3000ETM Index. To be eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000ETM Index, and, consequently, the Russell 1000® Index, a company’s stocks must be listed on the last trading day of May of a given year and Russell must have access to documentation verifying the company’s eligibility for inclusion. Beginning September 2004, eligible initial public offerings are added to Russell U.S. indices at the end of each calendar quarter, based on total market capitalization rankings within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. To be added to any Russell U.S. index during a quarter outside of reconstitution, initial public offerings must meet additional eligibility criteria.

U.S.-incorporated companies are eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000ETM Index and, consequently, the Russell 1000® Index. Companies incorporated in the following countries/regions are also reviewed for eligibility: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, and Turks and Caicos Islands. However, not all companies incorporated in these regions are eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000ETM Index, and, consequently, the Russell 1000® Index. Companies incorporated in these regions are specifically considered eligible for the Russell 1000® Index only if the company meets one of the following criteria: (i) the company headquarters are in the U.S. or (ii) the company headquarters are also in the designated region/country, and the primary exchange for local shares is in the United States. ADRs are not eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000ETM Index, and, consequently, the Russell 1000® Index.

The following securities are specifically excluded from the Russell 1000® Index: (i) stocks that are not traded on a major U.S. exchange; (ii) preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants, rights and trust receipts; (iii) royalty trusts, limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (business development companies or BDCs are eligible), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and limited partnerships. The exclusion of blank check companies and SPACs became effective with the first quarter of 2008, but existing members are grandfathered until the 2008 annual reconstitution. In addition, Berkshire Hathaway is excluded as a special exception.

The primary criteria used to determine the initial list of securities eligible for the Russell 3000ETM Index is total market capitalization, which is defined as the price of the shares times the total number of available shares. All common stock share classes are combined in determining market capitalization. If multiple share classes have been combined, the price of the primary trading vehicle (usually the most liquid) is used in the calculations. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately. Stocks must trade at or above $1.00 (on their primary exchange) on the last trading day of May of each year to be eligible for inclusion in the Russell 1000® Index. In order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing Russell 1000 Component Stock’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last trading day of May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices (from its primary exchange) during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00. Nonetheless, a Russell 1000 Component Stock’s close price (on its primary exchange) on the last trading day in May will be used to calculate market capitalization and index membership. Quarterly IPO additions must have a close price at or above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion. If a stock, new or existing, does not have a close price at or above $1.00 (on its primary exchange) on the last trading day in May, but does have a close price at or above $1.00 on another major U.S. exchange, the stock will be eligible for inclusion but the lowest price from a non-primary exchange will be used to calculate market capitalization and index membership.

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

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Companies with a total market capitalization of less than $30 million are not eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000ETM Index and, consequently, the Russell 1000® Index. Companies with only a small portion of their shares available in the marketplace are also not eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000ETM Index and, consequently, the Russell 1000® Index. Large capitalization companies with 1% or less float, and small capitalization companies with 5% or less, will be removed from eligibility.

The Russell 1000® Index is reconstituted annually to reflect changes in the marketplace. The list of companies is ranked based on total market capitalization as of the last trading day of May, with the actual reconstitution effective on the first trading day following the final Friday of June each year, except that if the last Friday of June of any year is the 28th, 29th or 30th, reconstitution will occur on the preceding Friday. Changes in the constituents are pre-announced and subject to change if any corporate activity occurs or if any new information is received prior to release.

Capitalization Adjustments. As a capitalization-weighted index, the Russell 1000® Index reflects changes in the capitalization, or market value, of the Russell 1000 Component Stocks relative to the capitalization on a base date. The current Russell 1000® Index value is calculated by adding the market values of the Russell 1000 Component Stocks, which are derived by multiplying the price of each stock by the number of available shares, to arrive at the total market capitalization of the 1,000 stocks. The total market capitalization is then divided by a divisor, which represents the “adjusted” capitalization of the Russell 1000® Index on the base date of December 31, 1986. To calculate the Russell 1000® Index, last sale prices will be used for exchange-traded and NASDAQ stocks. If a Russell 1000 Component Stock is not open for trading, the most recently traded price for that security will be used in calculating the Russell 1000® Index. In order to provide continuity for the Russell 1000® Index’s value, the divisor is adjusted periodically to reflect events including changes in the number of common shares outstanding for Russell 1000 Component Stocks, company additions or deletions, corporate restructurings and other capitalization changes.

Available shares are assumed to be shares available for trading. Exclusion of capitalization held by other listed companies and large holdings of private investors (10% or more) is based on information recorded in SEC corporate filings. Other sources are used in cases of missing or questionable data.

The following types of shares are considered unavailable for the purposes of capitalization determinations:



JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

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Corporate Actions Affecting the Russell 1000® Index. The following summarizes the types of Russell 1000® Index maintenance adjustments and indicates whether or not a Russell 1000® Index adjustment is required.

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

 TS-7

Updates to Share Capital Affecting the Russell 1000® Index. Each month, the Russell 1000® Index is updated for changes to shares outstanding as companies report changes in share capital to the SEC. Effective April 30, 2002, only cumulative changes to shares outstanding greater than 5% are reflected in the Russell 1000® Index. This does not affect treatment of major corporate events, which are effective on the ex-date.

Pricing of Securities Included in the Russell 1000® Index. Effective on January 1, 2002, primary exchange closing prices are used in the daily Russell 1000® Index calculations. FT Interactive data is used as the primary source for U.S. security prices, income, and total shares outstanding. Prior to January 1, 2002, composite closing prices, which are the last trade price on any U.S. exchange, were used in the daily Russell 1000® Index calculations.

Disclaimers. The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Russell or any successor thereto or index owner and neither Russell nor any party hereto makes any representation or warranty whatsoever, whether express or implied, to the owners of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the Russell 1000® Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. Russell’s publication of the Russell 1000® Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the Russell 1000® Index is based. Russell’s only relationship to JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Russell and of the Russell 1000® Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Russell without regard to JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates or the notes. Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the notes or any associated literature or publications and Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Russell 1000® Index. Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes.

“Russell 1000® Index” and “Russell 3000ETM Index” are trademarks of Russell and have been licensed for use by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and its affiliates. This transaction is not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Russell and Russell makes no representation regarding the advisability of entering into this transaction.

RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RUSSELL 1000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES, INVESTORS, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT(S), OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RUSSELL 1000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL 1000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 


JPMorgan Structured Investments —
Buffered Return Enhanced Notes Linked to the Russell 1000® Index

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