The
notes are being issued by The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”). There
are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt
security, including different investment risks and certain
additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this
term sheet, “Additional Risk Factors” on page TS-7 of this term
sheet and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of product
supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of
the pricing date is expected to be between $9.00 and $9.34 per
unit, which is less than the public offering price listed
below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors”
beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet and “Structuring the
Notes” on page TS-15 of this term sheet for additional information.
The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many
factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
None of the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state
securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note
Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
|
Per Unit
|
|
Total
|
Public
offering price(1)
|
$ 10.00
|
$
|
|
Underwriting discount(1)
|
$ 0.20
|
$
|
|
Proceeds,
before expenses, to BNS
|
$ 9.80
|
$
|
|
|
(1) |
For any purchase of 300,000 units or
more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in
combined transactions with the investor’s household in this
offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount
will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively. See
“Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below.
|
The notes:
Are Not FDIC Insured
|
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
|
May Lose Value
|
BofA Securities
July ,
2022
Summary
The Accelerated Return
Notes®
Linked to the S&P 500®
Index due July , 2024 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured
debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the
CDIC or the FDIC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an
obligation of any third party. The notes are not bail-inable
debt securities (as defined in the prospectus). The notes will rank equally with all of our
other unsecured senior debt. Any payments due on the notes,
including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit
risk of BNS. The notes provide you a leveraged return,
subject to a cap, if the Ending Value of the Market Measure, which
is the S&P 500®
Index (the “Index”), is greater than the Starting Value (as
determined below). If the Ending Value is equal to the Starting
Value, you will receive the principal amount of your notes.
If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, you will lose
all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes. Any
payments on the notes will be calculated based on the $10 principal
amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Index,
subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The economic terms of the notes
(including the Capped Value) are based on our internal funding
rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the
issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain
related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate is
typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue
conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding
rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related
charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes
to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing
date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to
purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value
of the notes.
On the cover page of this term
sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the
notes. This range of estimated values was determined by reference
to our internal pricing models, which take into consideration
certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing
date and our assumptions about market parameters. For more
information about the initial estimated value and the structuring
of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15.
To the extent
the determination of the Redemption Amount and other terms
described in this term sheet are inconsistent with those described
in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement or
prospectus, the determination of the Redemption Amount and other
terms described in this term sheet shall control.
|
Issuer:
|
|
The
Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS ”)
|
|
Principal Amount:
|
|
$10.00
per unit
|
|
Term:
|
|
Approximately 2 years
|
|
Market Measure:
|
|
The
S&P 500®
Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SPX”), a price return index
|
|
Starting Value:
|
|
The
lowest closing level of the Market Measure on any Market Measure
Business Day (subject to adjustment as set forth in “Other Terms of
the Notes” on page TS-7 of this term sheet) during the Starting
Value Determination Period. The actual Starting Value will not be
determined until after the pricing date and will be made available
to investors in the notes after the expiration of the Starting
Value Determination Period.
|
|
Starting Value
Determination
Period:
|
|
The
period from and including the pricing date to and including the day
that is approximately one month following the pricing date (or if
that day is not a Market Measure Business Day, the immediately
following Market Measure Business Day). The final date of the
Starting Value Determination Period will be set forth in the final
term sheet.
|
|
Ending Value:
|
|
The
average of the closing levels of the Market Measure on each
calculation day occurring during the Maturity Valuation Period. The
scheduled calculation days are subject to postponement in the event
of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-24
of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
|
|
Participation Rate:
|
|
300%
|
|
Capped Value:
|
|
[$11.70 to $12.10] per unit, which represents a return of [17.00%
to 21.00%] over the principal amount. The actual Capped Value will
be determined on the pricing date.
|
|
Maturity Valuation
Period:
|
|
Five
scheduled calculation days shortly before the maturity date.
|
|
Fees and
Charges:
|
|
The
underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page
and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in
“Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15.
|
|
Calculation Agent:
|
|
BofA
Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”).
|
Redemption Amount Determination
On the
maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined
as follows:
The terms and
risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the
following:
◾ |
Product supplement EQUITY ARN-1 dated February 2, 2022:
|
◾ |
Prospectus supplement dated December 29, 2021:
|
◾ |
Prospectus dated December 29, 2021:
|
These documents
(together, the “Note Prospectus”) have been filed as part of a
registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be
accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
(“MLPF&S”) or BofAS by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you
invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term
sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior
or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials
you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the
meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY ARN-1. Unless
otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all
references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar
references are to BNS.
Investor Considerations
You may wish to consider an
investment in the notes if:
◾ |
You anticipate that the Index will increase moderately from
the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
|
◾ |
You are willing to risk a substantial or entire loss of
principal if the Index decreases from the Starting Value to the
Ending Value.
|
◾ |
You accept that the return on the notes will be capped.
|
◾ |
You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid
on conventional interest bearing debt securities.
|
◾ |
You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning
the stocks included in the Index.
|
◾ |
You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales
prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the
notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our
actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate
and fees and charges on the notes.
|
◾
|
You are willing to assume our credit
risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes,
including the Redemption Amount.
|
The notes may not be an appropriate
investment for you if:
◾ |
You believe that the Index will decrease from the Starting
Value to the Ending Value or that it will not increase sufficiently
over the term of the notes to provide you with your desired
return.
|
◾ |
You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital.
|
◾ |
You seek an uncapped return on your investment.
|
◾ |
You seek interest payments or other current income on your
investment.
|
◾ |
You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on
the stocks included in the Index.
|
◾ |
You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid
secondary market.
|
◾
|
You are unwilling or are unable to
take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer
of the notes.
|
We urge you to
consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors
before you invest in the notes.
|
Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at
Maturity
The graph below is based on
hypothetical numbers and
values.
Accelerated Return Notes®
This graph
reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Participation Rate
of 300% and a hypothetical Capped Value of $11.90 per unit (the
midpoint of the Capped Value range of [$11.70 to $12.10]). The
green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray
line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks
included in the Index, excluding dividends.
This graph has
been prepared for purposes of illustration only.
The following table and examples are for purposes of
illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show
hypothetical returns on the
notes. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and
total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100,
the Participation Rate of 300%, a hypothetical Capped Value of
$11.90 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values.
The actual amount you receive and
the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual
Starting Value, Ending Value, Capped Value and whether you hold the
notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into
account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
For recent actual levels of the
Market Measure, see “The Index” section below. The Index is a price
return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any
income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the
Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you
invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the
notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
|
|
Percentage
Change from the
Starting Value
to the Ending
Value
|
|
Redemption
Amount per Unit
|
|
Total Rate of
Return on the
Notes
|
0.00
|
|
-100.00%
|
|
$0.00
|
|
-100.00%
|
50.00
|
|
-50.00%
|
|
$5.00
|
|
-50.00%
|
80.00
|
|
-20.00%
|
|
$8.00
|
|
-20.00%
|
90.00
|
|
-10.00%
|
|
$9.00
|
|
-10.00%
|
94.00
|
|
-6.00%
|
|
$9.40
|
|
-6.00%
|
97.00
|
|
-3.00%
|
|
$9.70
|
|
-3.00%
|
100.00(1)
|
|
0.00%
|
|
$10.00
|
|
0.00%
|
101.00
|
|
1.00%
|
|
$10.30
|
|
3.00%
|
102.00
|
|
2.00%
|
|
$10.60
|
|
6.00%
|
105.00
|
|
5.00%
|
|
$11.50
|
|
15.00%
|
106.34
|
|
6.34%
|
|
$11.90(2)
|
|
19.00%
|
110.00
|
|
10.00%
|
|
$11.90
|
|
19.00%
|
120.00
|
|
20.00%
|
|
$11.90
|
|
19.00%
|
130.00
|
|
30.00%
|
|
$11.90
|
|
19.00%
|
140.00
|
|
40.00%
|
|
$11.90
|
|
19.00%
|
150.00
|
|
50.00%
|
|
$11.90
|
|
19.00%
|
160.00
|
|
60.00%
|
|
$11.90
|
|
19.00%
|
(1) |
The hypothetical
Starting Value of 100 used in these examples has been chosen for
illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual
Starting Value for the Market Measure. The actual Starting Value
will be determined after the expiration of the Starting Value
Determination Period.
|
(2) |
The Redemption Amount per unit cannot exceed the hypothetical Capped Value.
|
Redemption
Amount Calculation Examples
Example 1
|
The Ending Value is 80.00, or 80.00% of the Starting
Value:
|
Starting Value:
|
100.00 |
Ending Value:
|
80.00 |
|
=
$8.00 Redemption Amount per unit
|
Example 2
|
The Ending Value is 102.00, or 102.00% of the Starting
Value:
|
Starting Value:
|
100.00 |
Ending Value:
|
102.00 |
|
=
$10.60 Redemption Amount per unit
|
Example 3
|
The Ending Value is 130.00, or 130.00% of the Starting
Value:
|
Starting Value:
|
100.00 |
Ending Value:
|
130.00 |
|
= $19.00, however,
because the Redemption Amount for the notes cannot exceed the
Capped Value, the Redemption Amount will be $11.90 per unit
|
Risk Factors
There are
important differences between the notes and a conventional debt
security. An investment in the notes involves significant
risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review
the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the
“Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-6 of product
supplement EQUITY ARN-1, page S-2 of the prospectus supplement, and
page 5 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to
consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors
before you invest in the notes.
Structure-Related Risks
|
◾ |
Depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly
before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss;
there is no guaranteed return of principal.
|
|
◾ |
Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could
earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security
of comparable maturity.
|
|
◾ |
Your investment return is limited to the return represented by
the Capped Value and may be less than a comparable investment
directly in the stocks included in the Index.
|
Market Measure-Related Risks
|
◾ |
The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that may
adversely affect its level and your interests, and the Index
sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests.
|
|
◾ |
You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included
in the Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or
dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those
securities.
|
While we,
MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates may from time to
time own securities of companies included in the Index, except to
the extent that the common stock of Bank of America Corporation
(the parent company of MLPF&S and BofAS) is included in the
Index, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates
control any company included in the Index, and have not verified
any disclosure made by any other company.
Valuation- and Market-Related Risks
|
◾ |
Our initial estimated value of the notes will be lower than
the public offering price of the notes. Our initial estimated value
of the notes is only an estimate. The public offering price of the
notes will exceed our initial estimated value because it includes
costs associated with selling and structuring the notes, as well as
hedging our obligations under the notes with a third party, which
may include BofAS or one of its affiliates. These costs include the
underwriting discount and an expected hedging related charge, as
further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15.
|
|
◾ |
Our initial estimated value of the notes does not represent
future values of the notes and may differ from others’ estimates.
Our initial estimated value of the notes is determined by reference
to our internal pricing models when the terms of the notes are
set. These pricing models consider certain factors, such as
our internal funding rate on the pricing date, the expected term of
the notes, market conditions and other relevant factors existing at
that time, and our assumptions about market parameters, which can
include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other
factors. Different pricing models and assumptions could
provide valuations for the notes that are different from our
initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other
relevant factors in the future may change, and any of our
assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the market
value of the notes could change significantly based on, among other
things, the performance of the Index, changes in market conditions,
our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant
factors. These factors, together with various credit, market
and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to
reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any
secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex
and unpredictable ways. Our initial estimated value does not
represent a minimum price at which we or any agents would be
willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists)
at any time.
|
|
◾ |
Our initial estimated value is not determined by reference to
credit spreads or the borrowing rate we would pay for our
conventional fixed-rate debt securities. The internal funding rate
used in the determination of our initial estimated value of the
notes generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for
our conventional fixed-rate debt securities and the borrowing rate
we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. If we
were to use the interest rate implied by the credit spreads for our
conventional fixed-rate debt securities, or the borrowing rate we
would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, we would
expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you.
Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate for the notes
would have an adverse effect on the economic terms of the notes,
the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date, and
the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any
secondary market.
|
|
◾ |
A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes.
None of us, MLPF&S or BofAS is obligated to make a market for,
or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party
will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any
secondary market.
|
Conflict-Related Risks
|
◾ |
Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of
MLPF&S, BofAS and our respective affiliates (including trades
in shares of companies included in the Index), and any hedging and
trading activities we, MLPF&S. BofAS or our respective
|
affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the
market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of
interest with you.
|
◾ |
There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the
calculation agent, which is BofAS. We have the right to
appoint and remove the calculation agent.
|
Market Measure-Related Risks
|
◾ |
The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that may
adversely affect its level and your interests, and the Index
sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests.
|
|
◾ |
You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included
in the Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or
dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those
securities.
|
|
◾ |
While we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates may
from time to time own securities of companies included in the
Index, except to the extent that the common stock of Bank of
America Corporation (the parent company of MLPF&S and BofAS) is
included in the Index, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or our
respective affiliates control any company included in the Index,
and have not verified any disclosure made by any other
company.
|
General Credit Risks
|
◾ |
Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and
actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to
affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable
to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.
|
Tax-related Risks
|
◾ |
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are
uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See
“Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” below.
|
|
◾ |
The conclusion that no portion of the interest paid or
credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note will be
“Participating Debt Interest” subject to Canadian withholding tax
is based in part on the current published administrative position
of the CRA. There cannot be any assurance that CRA’s current
published administrative practice will not be subject to change,
including potential expansion in the current administrative
interpretation of Participating Debt Interest subject to Canadian
withholding tax. If, at any time, the interest paid or
credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note is subject to
Canadian withholding tax, you will receive an amount that is less
than the Redemption Amount. You should consult your own adviser as
to the potential for such withholding and the potential for
reduction or refund of part or all of such withholding, including
under any bilateral Canadian tax treaty the benefits of which you
may be entitled. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income
tax consequences of investing in the notes, see “Summary of
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” below, “Canadian
Taxation—Debt Securities” on page 66 of the prospectus and
“Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax
Consequences” on page PS-36 of product supplement EQUITY
ARN-1.
|
Additional Risk Factors
The Starting
Value will be determined after the pricing date of the notes.
The Starting Value of the Market Measure will be determined
based on the lowest closing level of the Index during the Starting
Value Determination Period. The Starting Value Determination
Period will, as described above, end on a day that is approximately
one month after the pricing date for the notes. As a result,
the Starting Value will not be determined, and neither you nor we
(nor MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates) can be
certain of what the Starting Value will be, until after the pricing
date and the settlement date of the notes.
Additional Risk Factors Related
to General Credit Considerations
The COVID-19 virus may have an adverse impact on BNS.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health
Organization declared the outbreak of a strain of novel coronavirus
disease, COVID-19, a global pandemic. Governments in affected areas
have imposed a number of measures designed to contain the outbreak,
including business closures, travel restrictions, quarantines and
cancellations of gatherings and events. The spread of COVID-19 has
had disruptive effects in countries in which BNS operates and the
global economy more widely, as well as causing increased volatility
and declines in financial markets. COVID-19 has materially impacted
and continues to materially impact the markets in which BNS
operates. If the pandemic is prolonged, or further diseases emerge
that give rise to similar effects, the adverse impact on the global
economy could deepen and result in further declines in financial
markets. A substantial amount of BNS’s business involves making
loans or otherwise committing resources to specific companies,
industries or countries. The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on such
borrowers, industries and countries could have a material adverse
effect on BNS’s financial results, businesses, financial condition
or liquidity. The COVID-19 pandemic may also result in disruption
to BNS’s key suppliers of goods and services and result in
increased unavailability of staff adversely impacting the quality
and continuity of service to customers and the reputation of BNS.
As a result, the business, results of operations, corporate
reputation and financial condition of BNS could be adversely
impacted for a substantial period of time.
Other Terms of the Notes
Occurrence of a Market Disruption
Event during the Starting Value Determination Period
If a Market Disruption Event occurs on any Market Measure
Business Day during the Starting Value Determination Period (any
such day being a “Market Disruption Day”), the calculation agent
will establish the closing level of the Index for such Market
Disruption Day as follows:
|
◾ |
The closing level of the Index for the applicable Market
Disruption Day will be disregarded, except as set forth
below.
|
|
◾ |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Market Disruption Event
occurs for three or more consecutive scheduled Market Measure
Business Days during the Starting Value Determination Period, then,
on the second Market Measure Business Day on which no Market
Disruption Event occurs following such Market Disruption Days, the
closing level of the Index for each such Market Disruption Day will
be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the
calculation agent in a manner which the calculation agent considers
commercially reasonable under the circumstances.
|
|
◾
|
If a Market Disruption Event occurs on the final date of the
Starting Value Determination Period, then the closing level of the
Index for that day will be the closing level of the Index on the
first scheduled Market Measure Business Day thereafter, provided
that no Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing on that
day. If a Market Disruption Event occurs on the final date of the
Starting Value Determination Period and on the first two scheduled
Market Measure Business Days thereafter, the calculation agent will
determine or, if not determinable, estimate the closing level of
the Index as of that final date on the second scheduled Market
Measure Business Day after that final date.
|
The Index
All disclosures contained in this
term sheet regarding the Index, including, without limitation, its
make-up, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have
been derived from publicly available sources. The information
reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, S&P Dow
Jones Indices LLC (the “Index
sponsor”).
The Index sponsor, which licenses the copyright and all other
rights to the Index, has no obligation to continue to publish, and
may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of the
Index sponsor discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed
in the section entitled “Description
of ARNs—Discontinuance of an Index”
beginning on page PS-26 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
None of us, the calculation agent, MLPF&S or BofAS accepts any
responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of
the Index or any successor index.
General
The Index includes a representative
sample of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S.
economy. The Index is designed to provide a performance benchmark
for the U.S. equity markets. The Index is calculated based on the
relative value of the aggregate Market Value (as defined below) of
the common stocks of 500 companies as of a particular time as
compared to the aggregate average Market Value of the common stocks
of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941
through 1943. The “Market Value” of any index stock is the product
of the market price per share times the number of the then
outstanding shares of such index stock. The 500 companies are not
the 500 largest companies listed on the NYSE and not all 500
companies are listed on such exchange. The Index sponsor chooses
companies for inclusion in the Index with an aim of achieving a
distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the
distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of
the U.S. equity market.
As of May 31, 2022, the 505 companies
included in the Index were divided into eleven Global Industry
Classification Sectors. The Global Industry Classification Sectors
include (with the approximate percentage currently included in such
sectors indicated in parentheses): Information Technology (27.1%);
Health Care (14.4%); Financials (11.2%); Consumer Discretionary
(10.9%); Communication Services (8.8%); Industrials (7.8%);
Consumer Staples (6.5%); Energy (4.8%); Utilities (3.0%); Materials
(2.8%) and Real Estate (2.8%). (Sector designations are determined
by the Index sponsor using criteria it has selected or developed.
Different 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 indices with different index
sponsors may reflect differences in methodology as well as actual
differences in the sector composition of the indices.)
Calculation of the
Index
The Index is calculated using a
base-weighted aggregate methodology. The Index is a price return
index. The value of the Index on any day for which an index value
is published is determined by a fraction, the numerator of which is
the aggregate of the market price of each stock in the Index
multiplied by the float-adjusted number of shares of such stock
included in the Index, and the denominator of which is the divisor,
which is described more fully below.
The Index is also sometimes called a
“base-weighted index” because of its use of a divisor. The
“divisor” is a value calculated by the Index sponsor that is
intended to maintain conformity in index values over time and is
adjusted for all changes in the index stocks’ share capital after
the “base date.” The level of the Index reflects the total market
value of all index stocks relative to the index’s base date of
1941-43. The Index sponsor set the base value of the Index on the
base date at 10.
Maintenance of the
Index
In order to keep the Index comparable
over time, the Index sponsor engages in an index maintenance
process. The Index maintenance process involves changing the
constituents, adjusting the number of shares used to calculate the
Index, monitoring and completing the adjustments for company
additions and deletions, adjusting for stock splits and stock
dividends and adjusting for other corporate actions.
Divisor
Adjustments
The two types of adjustments
primarily used by the Index sponsor are divisor adjustments and
adjustments to the number of shares (including float adjustments)
used to calculate the Index. Set forth below is a table of certain
corporate events and their resulting effect on the divisor and the
share count. If a corporate event requires an adjustment to the
divisor, that event has the effect of altering the market value of
the affected index stock and consequently of altering the aggregate
market value of the index stocks following the event. In order that
the level of the Index not be affected by the altered market value
(which could be an increase or decrease) of the affected index
stock, the Index sponsor derives a new divisor by dividing the
post-event market value of the index stocks by the pre-event index
value, which has the effect of reducing the Index’s post-event
value to the pre-event level.
Constituent
Changes
Constituent changes are made on an
as-needed basis and there is no schedule for constituent reviews.
Constituent changes are generally announced one to five business
days prior to the change. Relevant criteria for additions to the
Index that are employed by the Index sponsor include an unadjusted
market capitalization of $13.1 billion or more (as of June 30,
2021), adequate liquidity, reasonable price, U.S. domicile, listing
on a major exchange, public float of 50% or more, industry sector,
financial viability and, for IPOs, a seasoning period of six to
twelve months. Stocks are deleted from the Index when they are
involved in mergers, acquisitions or significant restructurings
such that they no longer meet the inclusion criteria, and when they
violate one or more of the inclusion criteria. Companies that
experience a trading halt may be retained or deleted in the Index
sponsor’s discretion. The Index sponsor evaluates additions and
deletions with a view to maintaining Index continuity.
Changes to the Number of Shares of
a Constituent
The index maintenance process also
involves tracking the changes in the number of shares included for
each of the index companies. The timing of adjustments to the
number of shares depends on the type of event causing the change,
public availability of data, local market practice, and whether the
change represents more than 5% of the float-adjusted share count.
Changes as a result of mergers or acquisitions are implemented as
soon as reasonably possible, regardless of the size of the change
to the number of shares. At the Index sponsor’s discretion,
however, de minimis merger and acquisition changes may be
accumulated and implemented with the updates made at the quarterly
share updates as described below.
Changes that result from other
corporate actions will be implemented as soon as practicable if the
change to the float-adjusted share count is more than 5%. For
smaller changes, on the third Friday of the last month in each
calendar quarter, the Index sponsor updates the share totals of
companies in the Index as required by any changes in the
float-adjusted number of shares outstanding. The Index sponsor
implements a share freeze the week leading up to the effective date
of the quarterly share count updates. During this frozen period,
shares are not changed except for certain corporate action events
(merger activity, stock splits, rights offerings and certain share
dividend payable events). After the float-adjusted share count
totals are updated, the divisor is adjusted to compensate for the
net change in the total market value of the Index. In addition, any
changes over 5% in the current common shares outstanding for the
index companies are carefully reviewed by the Index sponsor on a
weekly basis, and when appropriate, an immediate adjustment is made
to the divisor.
In addition, the Index is
float-adjusted, meaning that the share counts used in calculating
the Index reflect only those shares available to investors rather
than all of a company’s outstanding shares. To this end, the Index
sponsor defines three groups of shareholders whose holdings are
presumed to be for control, rather than investment purposes. The
groups are:
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holdings by other publicly traded corporations, venture
capital firms, private equity firms, or strategic partners or
leveraged buyout groups;
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holdings by government entities, including all levels of
government within the United States or foreign countries, except
for pension and retirement funds; and
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holdings by current or former officers and directors of the
company, funders of the company, or family trusts of officers,
directors or founders. Second, holdings of trusts, foundations,
pension funds, employee stock ownership plans or other investment
vehicles associated with and controlled by the company.
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In the case that any of these control
groups hold 5% or more of a company’s stock, the shares of all
three groups will be excluded from the float-adjusted share count
to be used in Index calculations.
For each stock an Investable Weight
Factor (“IWF”) is calculated:
IWF = (available float shares)/(total
shares outstanding)
where available float shares is
defined as total shares outstanding less shares held in one or more
of the three groups listed above (subject to the 5%
threshold).
Adjustments for
Corporate Actions
There are a large range of corporate
actions that may affect companies included in the Index. Certain
corporate actions require the Index sponsor to recalculate the
share count or the float adjustment or to make an adjustment to the
divisor to prevent the value of the Index from changing as a result
of the corporate action. This helps ensure that the movement of the
Index does not reflect the corporate actions of individual
companies in the Index. Several types of corporate actions, and
their related adjustments, are listed in the table below.
Corporate Action
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Share Count Revision Required?
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Divisor Adjustment
Required?
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Stock split
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Yes – share count is revised to reflect new count.
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No – share count and price changes are off-setting
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Change in shares
outstanding (secondary issuance, share repurchase and/or share
buy-back)
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Yes – share count
is revised to reflect new count
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Yes –
divisor adjustment reflects change in market capitalization
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Spin-off if spun-off company is not being added to the Index
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No
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Yes – divisor adjustment reflects decline in index market
value (i.e. value of the spun-off unit)
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Spin-off if spun-off company is being added to the Index and no
company is being removed
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No
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No
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Spin-off if spun-off company is being added to the Index and
another company is being removed
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No.
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Yes – divisor adjustment reflects deletion
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Special dividends
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No.
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Yes – calculation assumes that share price drops by the amount of
the dividend; divisor adjustment reflects this change in index
market value
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Change in IWF
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No
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Yes – divisor change reflects the change in market value caused by
the change to an IWF
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Company added to or deleted from the Index
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No.
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Yes – divisor is adjusted by the net change in market value
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Rights offering
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No.
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Yes – divisor adjustment reflects increase in market capitalization
(calculation assumes that offering is fully subscribed at the set
price)
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Disruptions due to
Exchange Closure
When an exchange is forced to close
early due to unforeseen events, such as computer or electric power
failures, weather conditions or other events, the Index sponsor
will calculate the closing level of the Index based on (1) the
closing prices published by the exchange, or (2) if no closing
price is available, the last regular trade reported for each stock
before the exchange closed. In all cases, the prices will be from
the primary exchange for each stock in the Index. If an exchange
fails to open due to unforeseen circumstances, the Index will use
the prior day’s closing prices. If all exchanges fail to open, the
Index sponsor may determine not to publish the Index for that
day.
The
following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index
in the period from January 1, 2012 through June 27, 2022. We
obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not
independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the
information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On June 27, 2022, the
closing level of the Index was 3,900.11.
Historical Performance of the Index
This
historical data on the Index is not necessarily indicative of the
future performance of the Index or what the value of the notes may
be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the
Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that
the level of the Index is more or less likely to increase or
decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you
should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the
Index.
License
Agreement
S&P®
is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial
Services LLC (“S&P”) and Dow Jones®
is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow
Jones”). These trademarks have been licensed for use by
S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. “Standard & Poor’s®”,
“S&P 500®”
and “S&P®”
are trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been sublicensed
for certain purposes by us. The Index is a product of S&P
Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed
for use by us for a fee.
The notes are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow
Jones, S&P or any of their respective affiliates (collectively,
“S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make
no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders
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 Index to track general market
performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to
us with respect to the Index is the licensing of the Index and
certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow
Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The Index is
determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices
without regard to us, MLPF&S, BofAS or the notes. S&P
Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take our needs or the needs
of holders of the notes into consideration in determining,
composing or calculating the Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices
are not responsible for and have not participated in the
determination of the prices, and amount of the notes or the timing
of the issuance or sale of the notes or in the determination or
calculation of the equation by which the notes are to be converted
into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the notes. There is no assurance that investment
products based on the Index will accurately track index performance
or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones
Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a
security or futures contract within an index is not a
recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold
such security or futures contract, nor is it considered to be
investment advice. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, CME Group Inc. and its
affiliates may independently issue and/or sponsor financial
products unrelated to the notes currently being issued by us, but
which may be similar to and competitive with the notes. In
addition, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may trade financial
products which are linked to the performance of the Index. It
is possible that this trading activity will affect the value of the
notes.
S&P DOW JONES INDICES DO NOT
GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE
COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY
COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN
COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT
THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO
ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS
THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO
RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, MLPF&S, BOFAS, HOLDERS OF THE
NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR
WITH
RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED
THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT
WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST
TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR
OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY
AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND
US, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.
Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with
BofAS, BofAS will purchase the notes from us as principal at the
public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet,
less the indicated underwriting discount.
MLPF&S will purchase the notes
from BofAS for resale, and will receive a selling concession in
connection with the sale of the notes in an amount up to the full
amount of the underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this
term sheet.
We may deliver the notes against
payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater
than two business days following the pricing date. 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, if the initial settlement of the notes
occurs more than two business days from the pricing date,
purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days
prior to the settlement date will be required to specify
alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed
settlement.
The notes will not be listed on any
securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the
notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If
you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to
MLPF&S and/or one of its affiliates acting as a principal in
effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S and BofAS may repurchase
and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at
prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s and BofAS’s
trading commissions and mark-ups or mark-downs. MLPF&S and
BofAS may act as principal or agent in these market-making
transactions; however, neither is obligated to engage in any such
transactions. At their discretion, for a short, undetermined
initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S and
BofAS may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price
that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price
offered by MLPF&S or BofAS for the notes will be based on
then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations,
including the performance of the Index and the remaining term of
the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our
respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any
price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S,
BofAS or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes
at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of
the notes.
The value of the notes shown on your
account statement produced by MLPF&S will be based on BofAS’s
estimate of the value of the notes if BofAS or another of its
affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not
obligated to do. That estimate will be based upon the price that
BofAS may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market
conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will
include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be
higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the
notes.
The distribution of the Note
Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely
for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the
terms of the notes that was made available to investors in
connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors
should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note
Prospectus for information regarding BNS or for any purpose other
than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
An
investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term
sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the
following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting
in good faith based upon information then available to
MLPF&S:
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the investor’s spouse (including
a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse’s
parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by
aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family
relationship not directly above or below the individual
investor;
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a family investment vehicle,
including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding
companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist
solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as
described above; and
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a trust where the grantors and/or
beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or
members of the investor’s household as described above; provided
that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be
aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal
account.
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Purchases in retirement accounts
will not be considered part of the same household as an individual
investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for
individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee
pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees
(“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e.,
retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business
owners or partners with no employees other than their
spouses).
Please contact your Merrill
financial advisor if you have any questions about the application
of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are
eligible.
Structuring the Notes
The notes are our unsecured senior
debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance
of the Index. As is the case for all of our debt securities,
including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes
reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of
pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the
market-linked note is typically lower than the rate we would pay
when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable
maturity. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate,
which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with
the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically
results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing
date being less than their public offering price.
At maturity, we are required to pay
the Redemption Amount to holders of the notes, which will be
calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per
unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations,
at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain
hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options
or other derivatives) with BofAS or one of its affiliates.
The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking
bids from market participants, including MLPF&S, BofAS and its
affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including
our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of
the Index, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging
arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial
estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging
arrangements.
BofAS has advised us that the hedging
arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately
$0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to
BofAS from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and
may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional
profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized
by BofAS or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see “Risk
Factors—Conflict-Related Risks” beginning on page PS-16 and “Use of
Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY
ARN-1.
Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
An investor should read carefully the
description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations
under “Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus relevant
to a holder (as defined on page 66 of the prospectus) owning debt
securities, and the description of principal Canadian federal
income tax considerations under “Supplemental Discussion of
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the product supplement
EQUITY ARN-1. In addition to the assumptions, limitations and
conditions described therein, such discussion assumes that a
Non-Resident Holder is not an entity in respect of which the Bank
is a “specified entity” as defined in proposals to amend the Income
Tax Act (Canada) (the “Act”) released by the Minister of Finance
(Canada) on April 29, 2022 with respect to “hybrid mismatch
arrangements”, as defined (the “Hybrid Mismatch Proposals”). In
general terms, the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals provide that two
entities will be treated as specified entities in respect of one
another if one entity, directly or indirectly, holds a 25% equity
interest in the other entity, or a third entity, directly or
indirectly, holds a 25% equity interest in both entities.
Such discussion further assumes that
no amount paid or payable to a Non-Resident Holder will be the
deduction component of a “hybrid mismatch arrangement” under which
the payment arises within the meaning of proposed paragraph
18.4(3)(b) of the Act contained in the Hybrid Mismatch
Proposals.
Investors should note that the Hybrid
Mismatch Proposals are in consultation form, are highly complex,
and there remains significant uncertainty as to their
interpretation and application. There can be no assurance that the
Hybrid Mismatch Proposals will be enacted in their current form, or
at all.
Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general
description of certain U.S. federal tax considerations relating to
the notes. Prospective purchasers of the notes should consult their
tax advisors as to the consequences under the tax laws of the
country of which they are residents for tax purposes and the tax
laws of the U.S. of acquiring, holding and disposing of the notes
and receiving payments under the notes. This summary is based upon
the law as in effect on the date of this document and is subject to
any change in law that may take effect after such date. We urge you
to read the more detailed discussion in the “Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Consequences” section beginning on page PS-37 of product
supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
No statutory, regulatory, judicial or
administrative authority directly discusses how the 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. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as
to the tax consequences of your investment in the notes (and of
having agreed to the required tax treatment of your notes described
below) and as to the application of state, local or other tax laws
to your investment in your notes and the possible effects of
changes in federal or other tax laws.
Pursuant to the terms of the notes,
BNS and you agree, in the absence of a statutory or regulatory
change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the
contrary, to characterize your notes as prepaid derivative
contracts with respect to the Index. If your notes are so treated,
you should generally recognize long-term capital gain or loss if
you hold your notes for more than one year (and, otherwise,
short-term capital gain or loss) upon the taxable disposition of
your notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
you receive at such time and the amount you paid for your notes.
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to
limitations.
Based on certain
factual representations received from us, our special U.S. tax
counsel, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, is of
the opinion that it would be reasonable to treat your notes in the
manner described above. However, because there is no authority that
specifically addresses the tax treatment of the notes, it is
possible that your notes could alternatively be treated for tax
purposes as a single contingent payment debt instrument or pursuant
to some other characterization, such that the timing and character
of your income from the notes could differ materially and adversely
from the treatment described above.
Notice 2008-2. In 2007, the IRS
released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the
notes. According to Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the U.S. Department
of the Treasury (the “Treasury”)
are actively considering whether a holder of an instrument such as
the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current
basis. 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 IRS and the Treasury are also considering other relevant
issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such
instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether
non-U.S. 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 U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”)
should be applied to such instruments. Both U.S. and non-U.S.
holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the
significance, and the potential impact, of the above
considerations.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income.
U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or certain trusts are
subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their
“net
investment income,”
or “undistributed
net investment income”
in the case of an estate or trust, which may include any income or
gain realized with respect to the notes, to the extent of their net
investment income or undistributed net investment income (as the
case may be) that, when added to their other modified adjusted
gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual,
$250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a
surviving spouse), $125,000 for a married individual filing a
separate return or the dollar amount at which the highest tax
bracket begins for an estate or trust. The 3.8% Medicare tax is
determined in a different manner than the regular income tax. U.S.
holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the 3.8%
Medicare tax.
Specified Foreign Financial Assets.
U.S. holders may be subject to reporting obligations with respect
to their notes if they do not hold their notes in an account
maintained by a financial institution and the aggregate value of
their notes and certain other “specified
foreign financial assets”
(applying certain attribution rules) exceeds an applicable
threshold. Significant penalties can apply if a U.S. holder is
required to disclose its notes and fails to do so.
Backup Withholding and Information
Reporting. The proceeds received from a taxable disposition
of the notes will be subject to information reporting unless you
are an “exempt
recipient”
and may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified
in the Code if you fail to provide certain identifying information
(such as an accurate taxpayer number, if you are a U.S. holder) or
meet certain other conditions.
Amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or
credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided
the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holders. If you are a
non-U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) of the Code and FATCA,
discussed below, you should generally not be subject to generally
applicable information reporting and backup withholding
requirements with respect to payments on your notes if you comply
with certain certification and identification requirements as to
your non-U.S. status including providing us (and/or the applicable
withholding agent) a properly executed and fully completed
applicable IRS Form W-8. Subject to Section 897 of the Code and
Section 871(m) of the Code, discussed below, gain realized from the
taxable disposition of a note generally will not be subject to U.S.
tax unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or
business conducted by you in the U.S., (ii) you are a non-resident
alien individual and are present in the U.S. for 183 days or more
during the taxable year of such taxable disposition and certain
other conditions are satisfied or (iii) you have certain other
present or former connections with the U.S.
Section 897. We will not attempt to
ascertain whether the issuer of any stock included in the Index
would be treated as a “United States real property holding
corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the
Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the
notes should be treated as “United
States real property interests”
(“USRPI”)
as defined in Section 897 of the Code. If any such entity and/or
the notes were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax
consequences could possibly apply, including subjecting any gain
realized by a non-U.S. holder in respect of the notes upon a
taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of the notes to
U.S. federal income tax on a net basis, and the proceeds from such
a taxable disposition to a withholding tax. Non-U.S. holders should
consult their tax advisors regarding the potential treatment of any
such entity as a USRPHC and/or the notes as USRPI.
Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax
(which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is
imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend
equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect
to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or
more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing
U.S. equity securities. The withholding tax can apply even if
the instrument does not provide for payments that reference
dividends. Treasury regulations provide that the withholding
tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on
specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one
(“delta-one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016
and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on all other
specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2017. However, the
IRS has issued guidance that states that the Treasury and the IRS
intend to amend the effective dates of the Treasury regulations to
provide that withholding on dividend equivalents paid or deemed
paid will not apply to specified equity-linked instruments that are
not delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and are issued
before January 1, 2023.
Based on our determination that the
notes are not “delta-one” with respect to the Index or any U.S.
stock included in the Index, our special U.S. tax counsel is of the
opinion that the notes should not be delta-one specified
equity-linked instruments and thus should not be subject to
withholding on dividend equivalents. Our determination is not
binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this
determination. Furthermore, the application of Section 871(m) of
the Code will depend on our determinations on the date the terms of
the notes are set. If withholding is required, we will not make
payments of any additional amounts.
Nevertheless, after the date the
terms are set, it is possible that your notes could be deemed to be
reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events
affecting the Index, any U.S. stock included in the Index or your
notes, and following such occurrence your notes could be treated as
delta-one specified equity-linked instruments that are subject to
withholding on dividend equivalents. It is also possible that
withholding tax or other tax under Section 871(m) of the Code could
apply to the notes under these rules if you enter, or have entered,
into certain other transactions in respect of the Index or any U.S.
stock included in the Index or the notes. If you enter, or
have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Index or
any U.S. stock included in the Index or the notes, you should
consult your tax advisor regarding the application of Section
871(m) of the Code to your notes in the context of your other
transactions.
Because of the
uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on
dividend equivalents to the notes, you are urged to consult your
tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m)
of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the
notes.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S.
Holders. A note may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if
an individual non-U.S. holder holds the note at the time of his or
her death. The gross estate of a non-U.S. holder domiciled outside
the U.S. includes only property situated in the U.S. Individual
non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the
U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the notes at
death.
FATCA. The Foreign Account Tax
Compliance Act (“FATCA”)
was enacted on March 18, 2010, and imposes a 30% U.S. withholding
tax on “withholdable
payments”
(i.e., certain U.S.-source payments, including interest (and
original issue discount), dividends or other fixed or determinable
annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross
proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce
U.S.-source interest or dividends) and “passthru
payments”
(i.e., certain payments attributable to withholdable payments) made
to certain foreign financial institutions (and certain of their
affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees
(or is
required), among other things, to
disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account at the
institution (or the relevant affiliate) and to annually report
certain information about such account. FATCA also requires
withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign
entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer
identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or do not
certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to
withhold tax at a rate of 30%. Under certain circumstances, a
holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Pursuant to final and temporary
Treasury regulations and other IRS guidance, the withholding and
reporting requirements under FATCA will generally apply to certain
“withholdable payments”, will not apply to gross proceeds on a sale
or disposition, and will apply to certain foreign passthru payments
only to the extent that such payments are made after the date that
is two years after final regulations defining the term “foreign
passthru payment” are published. If withholding is required, we (or
the applicable paying agent) will not be required to pay additional
amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. Foreign financial
institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in
jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the
U.S. governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Investors should consult their own
advisors about the application of FATCA, in particular if they may
be classified as financial institutions (or if they hold their
notes through a foreign entity) under the FATCA rules.
Proposed Legislation. In 2007,
legislation was introduced in Congress that, if it had been
enacted, would have required holders of notes purchased after the
bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of the
notes despite the fact that there will be no interest payments over
the term of the notes.
Furthermore, in
2013 the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form
certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments. If
it had been enacted, the effect of this legislation generally would
have been to require instruments such as the notes to be marked to
market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated
as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.
It is not
possible to predict whether any similar or identical bills will be
enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the
tax treatment of your notes. You are urged to consult your tax
advisor regarding the possible changes in law and their possible
impact on the tax treatment of your notes.
Both U.S. and
non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes,
as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any
state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction (including that of
BNS).
Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product
supplement, a prospectus supplement and a prospectus) with the SEC
for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you
invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term
sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for
more complete information about us and this offering. You may get
these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website
at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer
participating in this offering will arrange to send you these
documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S or BofAS
toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.
“Accelerated Return
Notes®”
and “ARNs®”
are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the
parent company of MLPF&S and BofAS.