This pricing supplement, which is not complete and may be changed, relates to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933. This pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these Notes in any country or jurisdiction where such an offer would not be permitted.
Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and
the Russell 2000® Index
• The Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index, due April 1, 2027 (the “Notes”) are expected to price on March 28, 2024
and expected to issue on April 3, 2024.
• Approximate 3 year term if not called prior to maturity.
• Payments on the Notes will depend on the individual performance of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index (each an “Underlying”).
• Contingent coupon rate of between [9.00% and 11.00%] per annum (between [0.750% and 0.917%] per month)
payable monthly if the closing level of each Underlying on the applicable Observation Date is greater than or equal to 75.00% of
its Starting Value, assuming the Notes have not been called. The actual contingent coupon rate will be determined on the pricing date.
• Beginning with the September 30, 2024 Call Observation Date, automatically callable quarterly for
an amount equal to the principal amount plus the relevant Contingent Coupon Payment, if the closing level of each Underlying is greater
than or equal to 100.00% of its Starting Value on any Call Observation Date.
• Assuming the Notes are not called prior to maturity, if either Underlying declines by more
than 30% from its Starting Value, at maturity your investment will be subject to 1:1 downside exposure to decreases in the value of the
Least Performing Underlying, with up to 100% of the principal at risk; otherwise, at maturity, you will receive the principal amount.
At maturity you will also receive a final Contingent Coupon Payment if the closing level of each Underlying on the final Observation
Date is greater than or equal to 75.00% of its Starting Value.
• All payments on the Notes are subject to the credit risk of BofA Finance LLC (“BofA Finance”
or the “Issuer”), as issuer of the Notes, and Bank of America Corporation (“BAC” or the “Guarantor”),
as guarantor of the Notes.
• The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
• CUSIP No. 09711B6T8.
The initial estimated value
of the Notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $937.90 and $977.90 per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes, which is
less than the public offering price listed below. The actual value of your Notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot
be predicted with accuracy. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-10 of this pricing supplement and “Structuring the
Notes” on page PS-21 of this pricing supplement for additional information.
There are important differences
between the Notes and a conventional debt security. Potential purchasers of the Notes should consider the information in “Risk Factors”
beginning on page PS-10 of this pricing supplement, page PS-5 of the accompanying product supplement, page S-6 of the accompanying prospectus
supplement, and page 7 of the accompanying prospectus.
None of the 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 pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
|
Public offering price(1) |
Underwriting discount(1)(2)(3) |
Proceeds, before expenses, to BofA Finance(2) |
Per Note |
$1,000.00 |
$5.00 |
$995.00 |
Total |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Certain dealers who purchase the Notes for sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts may forgo some
or all of their selling concessions, fees or commissions. The public offering price for investors purchasing the Notes in these fee-based
advisory accounts may be as low as $995.00 per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes. |
|
(2) |
The underwriting discount per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes may be as high as $5.00, resulting
in proceeds, before expenses, to BofA Finance of as low as $995.00 per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes. |
|
(3) |
In addition to the underwriting discount above, if any, an affiliate of BofA Finance will pay a referral
fee of up to $5.00 per $1,000.00 in principal amount of the Notes in connection with the distribution of the Notes to other registered
broker-dealers. |
The Notes and the related guarantee:
Are Not FDIC Insured |
Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
May Lose Value |
|
Selling Agent |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Terms of the Notes
Issuer: |
BofA Finance |
Guarantor: |
BAC |
Denominations: |
The Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000.00 and whole multiples of $1,000.00 in excess thereof. |
Term: |
Approximately 3 years, unless previously automatically called. |
Underlyings: |
The Nasdaq-100® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “NDX”) and the Russell 2000® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “RTY”), each a price return index. |
Pricing Date*: |
March 28, 2024 |
Issue Date*: |
April 3, 2024 |
Valuation Date*: |
March 29, 2027, subject to postponement as described under “Description of the Notes—Certain Terms of the Notes—Events Relating to Observation Dates” in the accompanying product supplement. |
Maturity Date*: |
April 1, 2027 |
Starting Value: |
With respect to each Underlying, its closing level on the pricing date. |
Observation Value: |
With respect to each Underlying, its closing level on the applicable Observation Date or Call Observation Date, as applicable. |
Ending Value: |
With respect to each Underlying, its Observation Value on the Valuation Date. |
Call Value: |
With respect to each Underlying, 100.00% of its Starting Value. |
Coupon Barrier: |
With respect to each Underlying, 75.00% of its Starting Value. |
Threshold Value: |
With respect to each Underlying, 70.00% of its Starting Value. |
Contingent Coupon Payment: |
If, on any monthly Observation Date, the Observation Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier, we will pay a Contingent Coupon Payment of between [$7.500 and $9.167] per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes (equal to a rate of between [0.750% and 0.917%] per month or between [9.00% and 11.00%] per annum) on the applicable Contingent Payment Date (including the Maturity Date).The actual Contingent Coupon Payment will be determined on the pricing date. |
Automatic Call: |
Beginning with the September 30, 2024 Call Observation Date, all (but not less than all) of the Notes will be automatically called if the Observation Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Call Value on any Call Observation Date. If the Notes are automatically called, the Early Redemption Amount will be paid on the applicable Call Payment Date. No further amounts will be payable following an Automatic Call. |
Early Redemption Amount: |
For each $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes, $1,000.00, plus the applicable Contingent Coupon Payment. |
Redemption Amount: |
If the Notes have not been automatically called
prior to maturity, the Redemption Amount per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes will be:
a) If the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying
is greater than or equal to its Threshold Value:
b) If the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying
is less than its Threshold Value:
|
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-2 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
|
In this case, the Redemption Amount (excluding
any final Contingent Coupon Payment) will be less than 70.00% of the principal amount and you could lose up to 100.00% of your investment
in the Notes.
The Redemption Amount will also include a final
Contingent Coupon Payment if the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier. |
Observation Dates*: |
As set forth beginning on page PS-4 |
Contingent Payment Dates*: |
As set forth beginning on page PS-4 |
Call Observation Dates*: |
As set forth beginning on page PS-6 |
Call Payment Dates*: |
As set forth beginning on page PS-6. Each Call Payment Date is also a Contingent Payment Date. |
Calculation Agent: |
BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”), an affiliate of BofA Finance. |
Selling Agent: |
BofAS |
CUSIP: |
09711B6T8 |
Underlying Return: |
With respect to each Underlying,
|
Least Performing Underlying: |
The Underlying with the lowest Underlying Return. |
Events of Default and Acceleration: |
If an Event of Default, as defined in the senior indenture relating to the Notes and in the section entitled “Description of Debt Securities of BofA Finance LLC—Events of Default and Rights of Acceleration; Covenant Breaches” on page 54 of the accompanying prospectus, with respect to the Notes occurs and is continuing, the amount payable to a holder of the Notes upon any acceleration permitted under the senior indenture will be equal to the amount described under the caption “Redemption Amount” above, calculated as though the date of acceleration were the Maturity Date of the Notes and as though the Valuation Date were the third Trading Day prior to the date of acceleration. We will also determine whether a final Contingent Coupon Payment is payable based upon the levels of the Underlyings on the deemed Valuation Date; any such final Contingent Coupon Payment will be prorated by the calculation agent to reflect the length of the final contingent payment period. In case of a default in the payment of the Notes, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, the Notes will not bear a default interest rate. |
* Subject to change.
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-3 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Observation Dates, Contingent Payment Dates, Call Observation Dates
and Call Payment Dates
Observation Dates* |
Contingent Payment Dates |
April 29, 2024 |
May 2, 2024 |
May 28, 2024 |
May 31, 2024 |
June 28, 2024 |
July 3, 2024 |
July 29, 2024 |
August 1, 2024 |
August 28, 2024 |
September 3, 2024 |
September 30, 2024 |
October 3, 2024 |
October 28, 2024 |
October 31, 2024 |
November 29, 2024 |
December 4, 2024 |
December 30, 2024 |
January 3, 2025 |
January 28, 2025 |
January 31, 2025 |
February 28, 2025 |
March 5, 2025 |
March 28, 2025 |
April 2, 2025 |
April 28, 2025 |
May 1, 2025 |
May 28, 2025 |
June 2, 2025 |
June 30, 2025 |
July 3, 2025 |
July 28, 2025 |
July 31, 2025 |
August 28, 2025 |
September 3, 2025 |
September 29, 2025 |
October 2, 2025 |
October 28, 2025 |
October 31, 2025 |
November 28, 2025 |
December 3, 2025 |
December 29, 2025 |
January 2, 2026 |
January 28, 2026 |
February 2, 2026 |
March 2, 2026 |
March 5, 2026 |
March 30, 2026 |
April 2, 2026 |
April 28, 2026 |
May 1, 2026 |
May 28, 2026 |
June 2, 2026 |
June 29, 2026 |
July 2, 2026 |
July 28, 2026 |
July 31, 2026 |
August 28, 2026 |
September 2, 2026 |
September 28, 2026 |
October 1, 2026 |
October 28, 2026 |
November 2, 2026 |
November 30, 2026 |
December 3, 2026 |
December 28, 2026 |
December 31, 2026 |
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-4 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Observation Dates* |
Contingent Payment Dates |
January 28, 2027 |
February 2, 2027 |
March 1, 2027 |
March 4, 2027 |
March 29, 2027 (the “Valuation Date”) |
April 1, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”) |
* The Observation Dates are subject to postponement
as set forth in “Description of the Notes—Certain Terms of the Notes—Events Relating to Observation Dates” beginning
on page PS-23 of the accompanying product supplement.
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-5 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Call Observation Dates* |
Call Payment Dates |
September 30, 2024 |
October 3, 2024 |
December 30, 2024 |
January 3, 2025 |
March 28, 2025 |
April 2, 2025 |
June 30, 2025 |
July 3, 2025 |
September 29, 2025 |
October 2, 2025 |
December 29, 2025 |
January 2, 2026 |
March 30, 2026 |
April 2, 2026 |
June 29, 2026 |
July 2, 2026 |
September 28, 2026 |
October 1, 2026 |
December 28, 2026 |
December 31, 2026 |
* The Call Observation Dates are subject to postponement
as set forth in “Description of the Notes—Certain Terms of the Notes—Events Relating to Observation Dates” beginning
on page PS-23 of the accompanying product supplement, with references to “Observation Dates” being read as references to “Call
Observation Dates.”
Any payments on the Notes depend on the credit risk
of BofA Finance, as Issuer, and BAC, as Guarantor, and on the performance of the Underlyings. The economic terms of the Notes are based
on BAC’s internal funding rate, which is the rate it would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and
the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements BAC’s affiliates enter into. BAC’s internal funding rate is typically
lower than the rate it would pay when it issues conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate,
as well as the underwriting discount, if any, the referral fee and the hedging related charges described below (see “Risk Factors”
beginning on page PS-10), will reduce the economic terms of the Notes to you and the initial estimated value of the Notes. 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 as of the
pricing date.
The initial estimated value range of the Notes is
set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement. The final pricing supplement will set forth the initial estimated value of the
Notes as of the pricing date. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the Notes, see “Risk
Factors” beginning on page PS-10 and “Structuring the Notes” on page PS-21.
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-6 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Contingent Coupon Payment and Redemption Amount Determination
On
each Contingent Payment Date, if the Notes have not been previously called, you may receive a
Contingent
Coupon Payment per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes determined as follows:
Assuming
the Notes have not been automatically called, on the Maturity Date, you will receive a cash payment per $1,000.00 in principal amount
of Notes determined as follows:
All payments described above are subject to the
credit risk of BofA Finance, as Issuer, and BAC, as Guarantor.
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-7 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Total Contingent Coupon Payment Examples
The table below illustrates the hypothetical total
Contingent Coupon Payments per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes over the term of the Notes, based on a Contingent Coupon Payment
of $8.3335 (the midpoint of a Contingent Coupon Payment range of between [$7.50 and $9.167]), depending on how many Contingent Coupon
Payments are payable prior to an Automatic Call or maturity. Depending on the performance of the Underlyings, you may not receive any
Contingent Coupon Payments during the term of the Notes.
Number of Contingent Coupon Payments |
Total Contingent Coupon Payments |
0 |
$0.000 |
2 |
$16.667 |
4 |
$33.334 |
6 |
$50.001 |
8 |
$66.668 |
10 |
$83.335 |
12 |
$100.002 |
14 |
$116.669 |
16 |
$133.336 |
18 |
$150.003 |
20 |
$166.670 |
22 |
$183.337 |
24 |
$200.004 |
26 |
$216.671 |
28 |
$233.338 |
30 |
$250.005 |
32 |
$266.672 |
34 |
$283.339 |
36 |
$300.006 |
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-8 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Table
The following table is for purposes of illustration
only. It assumes the Notes have not been automatically called prior to maturity and is based on hypothetical values and shows hypothetical returns on the Notes. The table illustrates the calculation of the Redemption Amount and the return on the Notes based on a hypothetical
Starting Value of 100 for the Least Performing Underlying, a hypothetical Coupon Barrier of 75 for the Least Performing Underlying, a
hypothetical Threshold Value of 70 for the Least Performing Underlying, a Contingent Coupon Payment of $8.3335 per $1,000.00 in principal
amount of Notes (the midpoint of the Contingent Coupon Payment range of between [$7.500 and $9.167]) and a range of hypothetical Ending
Values of the Least Performing Underlying. The actual amount you receive and the resulting return will depend on the actual Starting
Values, Coupon Barriers, Threshold Values, Observation Values and Ending Values of the Underlyings, the actual Contingent Coupon Payment,
whether the Notes are automatically called prior to maturity, 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 values of the Underlyings, see
“The Underlyings” section below. The Ending Value of each Underlying will not include any income generated by dividends or
other distributions paid with respect to shares or units of that Underlying or on the securities included in that Underlying, as applicable.
In addition, all payments on the Notes are subject to Issuer and Guarantor credit risk.
Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying |
Underlying Return of the Least Performing Underlying |
Redemption Amount per Note (including any final Contingent Coupon Payment) |
Return on the Notes(1) |
160.00 |
60.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
150.00 |
50.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
140.00 |
40.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
130.00 |
30.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
120.00 |
20.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
110.00 |
10.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
105.00 |
5.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
102.00 |
2.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
100.00(2) |
0.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
90.00 |
-10.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
80.00 |
-20.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
75.00(3) |
-25.00% |
$1,008.3335 |
0.83335% |
74.99 |
-25.01% |
$1,000.0000 |
0.00000% |
70.00(4) |
-30.00% |
$1,000.0000 |
0.00000% |
69.99 |
-30.01% |
$699.9000 |
-30.01000% |
60.00 |
-40.00% |
$600.0000 |
-40.00000% |
50.00 |
-50.00% |
$500.0000 |
-50.00000% |
0.00 |
-100.00% |
$0.0000 |
-100.00000% |
(1) |
The “Return on the Notes” is calculated based on the Redemption Amount and potential final Contingent Coupon Payment, not including any Contingent Coupon Payments paid prior to maturity. |
(2) |
The hypothetical Starting Value of 100 used in the table above has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a likely Starting Value of any Underlying. |
(3) |
This is the hypothetical Coupon Barrier of the Least Performing Underlying. |
(4) |
This is the hypothetical Threshold Value of the Least Performing Underlying. |
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-9 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Notes entails significant
risks, many of which differ from those of a conventional debt security. Your decision to purchase the Notes should be made only after
carefully considering the risks of an investment in the Notes, including those discussed below, with your advisors in light of your particular
circumstances. The Notes are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about significant elements of the Notes
or financial matters in general. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the Notes in the “Risk
Factors” sections beginning on page PS-5 of the accompanying product supplement, page S-6 of the accompanying prospectus supplement
and page 7 of the accompanying prospectus, each as identified on page PS-25 below.
Structure-related Risks
• Your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal. There is
no fixed principal repayment amount on the Notes at maturity. If the Notes are not automatically called prior to maturity and the Ending
Value of either Underlying is less than its Threshold Value, at maturity, your investment will be subject to 1:1 downside exposure
to decreases in the value of the Least Performing Underlying and you will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that the Ending
Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Starting Value. In that case, you will lose a significant portion or all of
your investment in the Notes.
• Your return on the Notes is limited to the return represented by the Contingent Coupon Payments,
if any, over the term of the Notes. Your return on the Notes is limited to the Contingent Coupon Payments paid over the term of the
Notes, regardless of the extent to which the Observation Value or Ending Value of any Underlying exceeds its Coupon Barrier or Starting
Value, as applicable. Similarly, the amount payable at maturity or upon an Automatic Call will never exceed the sum of the principal amount
and the applicable Contingent Coupon Payment, regardless of the extent to which the Observation Value or Ending Value of any Underlying
exceeds its Starting Value. In contrast, a direct investment in the securities included in one or more of the Underlyings would allow
you to receive the benefit of any appreciation in their values. Any return on the Notes will not reflect the return you would realize
if you actually owned those securities and received the dividends paid or distributions made on them.
• The Notes are subject to a potential Automatic Call, which would limit your ability to receive
the Contingent Coupon Payments over the full term of the Notes. The Notes are subject to a potential Automatic Call. Beginning with
the September 30, 2024 Call Observation Date, the Notes will be automatically called if, on any Call Observation Date, the Observation
Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Call Value. If the Notes are automatically called prior to the Maturity Date,
you will be entitled to receive the Early Redemption Amount on the applicable Call Payment Date, and no further amounts will be payable
on the Notes. In this case, you will lose the opportunity to continue to receive Contingent Coupon Payments after the date of the Automatic
Call. If the Notes are called prior to the Maturity Date, you may be unable to invest in other securities with a similar level of risk
that could provide a return that is similar to the Notes.
• You may not receive any Contingent Coupon Payments. The Notes do not provide for any regular
fixed coupon payments. Investors in the Notes will not necessarily receive any Contingent Coupon Payments on the Notes. If the Observation
Value of any Underlying is less than its Coupon Barrier on an Observation Date, you will not receive the Contingent Coupon Payment applicable
to that Observation Date. If the Observation Value of any Underlying is less than its Coupon Barrier on all the Observation Dates during
the term of the Notes, you will not receive any Contingent Coupon Payments during the term of the Notes, and will not receive a positive
return on the Notes.
• Your return on the Notes may be less than the yield on a conventional debt security of comparable
maturity. Any return that you receive on the Notes may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional debt
security with the same Maturity Date. As a result, your investment in the Notes may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when
you consider factors, such as inflation, that affect the time value of money. In addition, if interest rates increase during the term
of the Notes, the Contingent Coupon Payment (if any) may be less than the yield on a conventional debt security of comparable maturity.
• The Contingent Coupon Payment, Early Redemption Amount or Redemption Amount, as applicable, will
not reflect changes in the levels of the Underlyings other than on the Observation Dates or Call Observation Dates, as applicable. The
levels of the Underlyings during the term of the Notes other than on the Observation Dates or Call Observation Dates, as applicable, will
not affect payments on the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, investors should generally be aware of the performance of the Underlyings
while holding the Notes, as the performance of the Underlyings may influence the market value of the Notes. The calculation agent will
determine whether each Contingent Coupon Payment is payable and will calculate the Early Redemption Amount or the Redemption Amount, as
applicable, by comparing only the Starting Value, the Coupon Barrier, the Call Value or the Threshold Value, as applicable, to the Observation
Value or Ending Value for each Underlying. No other levels of the Underlyings will be taken into account. As a result, if the Notes are
not automatically called prior to maturity and the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Threshold Value, you
will receive less than the principal amount at maturity even if the level of each Underlying was always above its Threshold Value prior
to the Valuation Date.
• Because the Notes are linked to the least performing (and not the average performance) of the Underlyings,
you may not receive any return on the Notes and may lose a significant portion or all of your investment in the Notes even if the Observation
Value or Ending Value of one Underlying is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier or Threshold Value, as applicable. Your Notes
are linked to the least performing of the Underlyings, and a change in the level of one Underlying may not correlate with changes in the
level of the other Underlying. The Notes are not linked to a basket composed of the Underlyings, where the depreciation in the level of
one Underlying could be offset to some extent by the appreciation in the level of the other Underlying. In the case of the Notes, the
|
CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-10 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
individual performance of each Underlying
would not be combined, and the depreciation in the level of one Underlying would not be offset by any appreciation in the level of the
other Underlying. Even if the Observation Value of an Underlying is at or above its Coupon Barrier on an Observation Date, you will not
receive the Contingent Coupon Payment with respect to that Observation Date if the Observation Value of the other Underlying is below
its Coupon Barrier on that day. In addition, even if the Ending Value of an Underlying is at or above its Threshold Value, you will lose
a significant portion or all of your investment in the Notes if the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is below its Threshold
Value.
• Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk and the credit risk of the Guarantor,
and any actual or perceived changes in our or the Guarantor’s creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the Notes. The
Notes are our senior unsecured debt securities. Any payment on the Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor.
The Notes are not guaranteed by any entity other than the Guarantor. As a result, your receipt of any payments on the Notes will be dependent
upon our ability and the ability of the Guarantor to repay our respective obligations under the Notes on the applicable payment date,
regardless of the performance of the Underlyings. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition or the financial condition
of the Guarantor will be at any time after the pricing date of the Notes. If we and the Guarantor become unable to meet our respective
financial obligations as they become due, you may not receive the amount payable under the terms of the Notes.
In addition, our credit ratings and the credit ratings of the Guarantor are assessments by ratings agencies of our respective abilities
to pay our obligations. Consequently, our or the Guarantor’s perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated decreases in our
or the Guarantor’s credit ratings or increases in the spread between the yield on our respective securities and the yield on U.S.
Treasury securities (the “credit spread”) prior to the Maturity Date may adversely affect the market value of the Notes. However,
because your return on the Notes depends upon factors in addition to our ability and the ability of the Guarantor to pay our respective
obligations, such as the values of the Underlyings, an improvement in our or the Guarantor’s credit ratings will not reduce the
other investment risks related to the Notes.
• We are a finance subsidiary and, as such, have no independent assets, operations, or revenues. We are a finance subsidiary of the Guarantor, have no operations other than those related to the issuance, administration and repayment
of our debt securities that are guaranteed by the Guarantor, and are dependent upon the Guarantor and/or its other subsidiaries to meet
our obligations under the Notes in the ordinary course. Therefore, our ability to make payments on the Notes may be limited.
Valuation and Market-related Risks
• The public offering price you pay for the Notes will exceed their initial estimated value. The
range of initial estimated values of the Notes that is provided on the cover page of this preliminary pricing supplement, and the initial
estimated value as of the pricing date that will be provided in the final pricing supplement, are each estimates only, determined as of
a particular point in time by reference to our and our affiliates’ pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions
and variables, including our credit spreads and those of the Guarantor, the Guarantor’s internal funding rate, mid-market terms
on hedging transactions, expectations on interest rates, dividends and volatility, price-sensitivity analysis, and the expected term of
the Notes. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. If you attempt
to sell the Notes prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than their initial estimated
value. This is due to, among other things, changes in the levels of the Underlyings, changes in the Guarantor’s internal funding
rate, and the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount, if any, the referral fee and the hedging related charges,
all as further described in “Structuring the Notes” below. 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.
• The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, BAC, BofAS
or any of our other affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value
of your Notes at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including the performance
of the Underlyings, our and BAC’s creditworthiness and changes in market conditions.
• We cannot assure you that a trading market for your Notes will ever develop or be maintained. We
will not list the Notes on any securities exchange. We cannot predict how the Notes will trade in any secondary market or whether that
market will be liquid or illiquid.
Conflict-related Risks
• Trading and hedging activities by us, the Guarantor and any of our other affiliates, including
BofAS, may create conflicts of interest with you and may affect your return on the Notes and their market value. We, the Guarantor
or one or more of our other affiliates, including BofAS, may buy or sell the securities held by or included in the Underlyings, or futures
or options contracts or exchange traded instruments on the Underlyings or those securities, or other instruments whose value is derived
from the Underlyings or those securities. While we, the Guarantor or one or more of our other affiliates, including BofAS, may from time
to time own securities represented by the Underlyings, except to the extent that BAC’s common stock may be included in the Underlyings,
we, the Guarantor and our other affiliates, including BofAS, do not control any company included in the Underlyings, and have not verified
any disclosure made by any other company. We, the Guarantor or one or more of our other affiliates, including BofAS, may execute such
purchases or sales for our own or their own accounts, for business reasons, or in connection with hedging our obligations under the Notes.
These transactions may present a conflict of interest between your interest in the Notes and the interests we, the Guarantor and our other
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
affiliates, including BofAS, may have
in our or their proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including block trades, for our or their other customers, and in accounts
under our or their management. These transactions may adversely affect the levels of the Underlyings in a manner that could be adverse
to your investment in the Notes. On or before the pricing date, any purchases or sales by us, the Guarantor or our other affiliates, including
BofAS or others on our or their behalf (including those for the purpose of hedging some or all of our anticipated exposure in connection
with the Notes), may affect the levels of the Underlyings. Consequently, the levels of the Underlyings may change subsequent to the pricing
date, which may adversely affect the market value of the Notes.
We, the Guarantor or one or more of our other affiliates, including BofAS, also expect to engage in hedging activities that could affect
the levels of the Underlyings on the pricing date. In addition, these hedging activities, including the unwinding of a hedge, may decrease
the market value of your Notes prior to maturity, and may affect the amounts to be paid on the Notes. We, the Guarantor or one or more
of our other affiliates, including BofAS, may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in the Notes and may hold or resell
the Notes. For example, BofAS may enter into these transactions in connection with any market making activities in which it engages. We
cannot assure you that these activities will not adversely affect the levels of the Underlyings, the market value of your Notes prior
to maturity or the amounts payable on the Notes.
• There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is an affiliate
of ours. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent. One of our affiliates will be the calculation agent for the
Notes and, as such, will make a variety of determinations relating to the Notes, including the amounts that will be paid on the Notes.
Under some circumstances, these duties could result in a conflict of interest between its status as our affiliate and its responsibilities
as calculation agent.
Underlying-related Risks
• The Notes are subject to risks associated with small-size capitalization companies. The stocks
comprising the RTY are issued by companies with small-sized market capitalization. The stock prices of small-size companies may be more
volatile than stock prices of large capitalization companies. Small-size capitalization companies may be less able to withstand adverse
economic, market, trade and competitive conditions relative to larger companies. Small-size capitalization companies may also be more
susceptible to adverse developments related to their products or services.
• The Notes are subject to risks associated with foreign securities markets. The NDX includes
certain foreign equity securities. You should be aware that investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities
involve particular risks. The foreign securities markets comprising the NDX may have less liquidity and may be more volatile than U.S.
or other securities markets and market developments may affect foreign markets differently from U.S. or other securities markets. Direct
or indirect government intervention to stabilize these foreign securities markets, as well as cross-shareholdings in foreign companies,
may affect trading prices and volumes in these markets. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies
than about those U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC, and foreign companies are subject to accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. Prices of securities
in foreign countries are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that apply in those geographical regions. These
factors, which could negatively affect those securities markets, include the possibility of recent or future changes in a foreign government’s
economic and fiscal policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions applicable
to foreign companies or investments in foreign equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies,
the possibility of outbreaks of hostility and political instability and the possibility of natural disaster or adverse public health developments
in the region. Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in important respects such as growth
of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.
• The publisher or the sponsor of an Underlying may adjust that Underlying in a way that affects
its levels, and the publisher or the sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests. The publisher or the sponsor of an Underlying
can add, delete, or substitute the components included in that Underlying or make other methodological changes that could change its level.
Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of your Notes.
Tax-related Risks
• The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes are uncertain, and may be
adverse to a holder of the Notes. No statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the
Notes or securities similar to the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income
tax consequences of an investment in the Notes are not certain. Under the terms of the Notes, you will have agreed with us to treat the
Notes as contingent income-bearing single financial contracts, as described below under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary—General.”
If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting an alternative characterization for the Notes, the
timing and character of income, gain or loss with respect to the Notes may differ. No ruling will be requested from the IRS with respect
to the Notes and no assurance can be given that the IRS will agree with the statements made in the section entitled “U.S. Federal
Income Tax Summary.” You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of investing in the Notes.
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
The Underlyings
All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement
regarding the Underlyings, including, without limitation, their make-up, method of calculation, and changes in their components, have
been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, the sponsor of the
NDX and the sponsor of the RTY (collectively, the “Underlying Sponsors”). The Underlying Sponsors, which license the copyright
and all other rights to the respective Underlyings, have no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the
Underlyings. The consequences of any Underlying Sponsor discontinuing publication of the applicable Underlying are discussed in “Description
of the Notes — Discontinuance of an Index” in the accompanying product supplement. None of us, the Guarantor, the calculation
agent, or BofAS accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Underlying or any successor index. None
of us, the Guarantor, BofAS or any of our other affiliates makes any representation to you as to the future performance of the Underlyings.
You should make your own investigation into the Underlyings.
The Nasdaq-100® Index
The NDX is intended to measure the performance of
the 100 largest domestic and international non-financial securities listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market ("NASDAQ") based on market
capitalization. The NDX reflects companies across major industry groups including computer hardware and software, telecommunications,
retail/wholesale trade and biotechnology. It does not contain securities of financial companies including investment companies.
The NDX began trading on January 31, 1985 at a base
value of 125.00. The NDX is calculated and published by Nasdaq, Inc. In administering the NDX, Nasdaq, Inc. will exercise reasonable discretion
as it deems appropriate.
Underlying Stock Eligibility Criteria
NDX eligibility is limited to specific security
types only. The security types eligible for the NDX include foreign or domestic common stocks, ordinary shares, ADRs and tracking stocks.
Security types not included in the NDX are closed-end funds, convertible debt securities, exchange traded funds, limited liability companies,
limited partnership interests, preferred stocks, rights, shares or units of beneficial interest, warrants, units, and other derivative
securities. The NDX does not contain securities of investment companies. For purposes of the NDX eligibility criteria, if the security
is a depositary receipt representing a security of a non-U.S. issuer, then references to the “issuer” are references to the
issuer of the underlying security.
Initial Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for initial inclusion in the NDX,
a security must be listed on NASDAQ and meet the following criteria:
• the security’s U.S. listing must be exclusively on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq
Global Market (unless the security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to January 1, 2004 and has continuously maintained such
listing);
• the security must be of a non-financial company;
• the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy proceedings;
• the security must have a minimum three-month average daily trading volume of at least 200,000 shares;
• if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the U.S., then
such security must have listed options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for listed-options trading on a recognized
options market in the U.S.;
• the issuer of the security may not have entered into a definitive agreement or other arrangement which
would likely result in the security no longer being eligible for inclusion in the NDX;
• the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with an audit opinion that is
currently withdrawn; and
• the issuer of the security must have “seasoned” on NASDAQ, the New York Stock Exchange
or NYSE Amex. Generally, a company is considered to be seasoned if it has been listed on a market for at least three full months (excluding
the first month of initial listing).
Continued Eligibility Criteria
In addition, to be eligible for continued inclusion
in the NDX, the following criteria apply:
• the security’s U.S. listing must be exclusively on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq
Global Market;
• the security must be of a non-financial company;
• the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy proceedings;
• the security must have a minimum three-month average daily trading volume of at least 200,000 shares;
• if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the U.S., then
such security must have listed options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for listed-options trading on a recognized
options market in the U.S. (measured annually during the ranking review process);
• the security must have an adjusted market capitalization equal to or exceeding 0.10% of the aggregate
adjusted market capitalization of the NDX at each month-end. In the event a company does not meet this criterion for two consecutive month-ends,
it will be removed from the NDX effective after the close of trading on the third Friday of the following month; and
• the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with an audit opinion that is
currently withdrawn.
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Computation of the NDX
The value of the NDX equals the aggregate value
of the NDX share weights (the “NDX Shares”) of each of the NDX securities multiplied by each such security’s last sale
price (last sale price refers to the last sale price on NASDAQ), and divided by the divisor of the NDX. If trading in an NDX security
is halted while the market is open, the last traded price for that security is used for all NDX computations until trading resumes. If
trading is halted before the market is open, the previous day’s last sale price is used. The formula for determining the NDX value
is as follows:
The NDX is ordinarily calculated without regard
to cash dividends on NDX securities. The NDX is calculated during the trading day and is disseminated once per second from 09:30:01 to
17:16:00 ET. The closing level of the NDX may change up until 17:15:00 ET due to corrections to the last sale price of the NDX securities.
The official closing value of the NDX is ordinarily disseminated at 17:16:00 ET.
NDX Maintenance
Changes to NDX Constituents
Changes to the NDX constituents may be made during
the annual ranking review. In addition, if at any time during the year other than the annual review, it is determined that an NDX security
issuer no longer meets the criteria for continued inclusion in the NDX, or is otherwise determined to have become ineligible for continued
inclusion in the NDX, it is replaced with the largest market capitalization issuer not currently in the NDX that meets the applicable
eligibility criteria for initial inclusion in the NDX.
Ordinarily, a security will be removed from the
NDX at its last sale price. However, if at the time of its removal the NDX security is halted from trading on its primary listing market
and an official closing price cannot readily be determined, the NDX security may, in Nasdaq, Inc.’s discretion, be removed at a
price of $0.00000001 (“zero price”). This zero price will be applied to the NDX security after the close of the market but
prior to the time the official closing value of the NDX is disseminated.
Divisor Adjustments
The divisor is adjusted to ensure that changes in
the NDX constituents either by corporate actions (that adjust either the price or shares of an NDX security) or NDX participation outside
of trading hours do not affect the value of the NDX. All divisor changes occur after the close of the applicable index security markets.
Quarterly NDX Rebalancing
The NDX will be rebalanced on a quarterly basis
if it is determined that (1) the current weight of the single NDX security with the largest market capitalization is greater than 24.0%
of the NDX or (2) the collective weight of those securities whose individual current weights are in excess of 4.5% exceeds 48.0% of the
NDX. In addition, a “special rebalancing” of the NDX may be conducted at any time if Nasdaq, Inc. determines it necessary
to maintain the integrity and continuity of the NDX. If either one or both of the above weight distribution conditions are met upon quarterly
review, or Nasdaq, Inc. determines that a special rebalancing is necessary, a weight rebalancing will be performed.
If the first weight distribution condition is met
and the current weight of the single NDX security with the largest market capitalization is greater than 24.0%, then the weights of all
securities with current weights greater than 1.0% (“large securities”) will be scaled down proportionately toward 1.0% until
the adjusted weight of the single largest NDX security reaches 20.0%.
If the second weight distribution condition is met
and the collective weight of those securities whose individual current weights are in excess of 4.5% (or adjusted weights in accordance
with the previous step, if applicable) exceeds 48.0% of the NDX, then the weights of all such large securities in that group will be scaled
down proportionately toward 1.0% until their collective weight, so adjusted, is equal to 40.0%.
The aggregate weight reduction among the large securities
resulting from either or both of the rebalancing steps above will then be redistributed to those securities with weightings of less than
1.0% (“small securities”) in the following manner. In the first iteration, the weight of the largest small security will be
scaled upwards by a factor which sets it equal to the average NDX weight of 1.0%. The weights of each of the smaller remaining small securities
will be scaled up by the same factor reduced in relation to each security’s relative ranking among the small securities such that
the smaller the NDX security in the ranking, the less its weight will be scaled upward. This is intended to reduce the market impact of
the weight rebalancing on the smallest component securities in the NDX.
In the second iteration of the small security rebalancing,
the weight of the second largest small security, already adjusted in the first iteration, will be scaled upwards by a factor which sets
it equal to the average NDX weight of 1.0%. The weights of each of the smaller remaining small securities will be scaled up by this same
factor reduced in relation to each security’s relative ranking among the small securities such that, once again, the smaller the
security in the ranking, the less its weight will be scaled upward. Additional iterations will be performed until the accumulated increase
in weight among the small securities equals the aggregate weight reduction among the large securities that resulted from the rebalancing
in accordance with the two weight distribution conditions discussed above.
Finally, to complete the rebalancing process, once
the final weighting percentages for each NDX security have been set, the NDX Shares will be
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-14 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
determined anew based upon the last sale prices
and aggregate capitalization of the NDX at the close of trading on the last calendar day in February, May, August and November. Changes
to the NDX Shares will be made effective after the close of trading on the third Friday in March, June, September and December, and an
adjustment to the divisor is made to ensure continuity of the NDX. Ordinarily, new rebalanced NDX Shares will be determined by applying
the above procedures to the current NDX Shares. However, Nasdaq, Inc. may, from time to time, determine rebalanced weights, if necessary,
by applying the above procedure to the actual current market capitalization of the NDX components. In such instances, Nasdaq, Inc. would
announce the different basis for rebalancing prior to its implementation.
During the quarterly rebalancing, data is cutoff
as of the previous month end and no changes are made to the NDX from that cutoff until the quarterly index share change effective date,
except in the case of changes due to corporate actions with an ex-date.
Adjustments for Corporate Actions
Changes in the price and/or NDX Shares driven by
corporate events such as stock dividends, splits, and certain spin-offs and rights issuances will be adjusted on the ex-date. If the change
in total shares outstanding arising from other corporate actions is greater than or equal to 10.0%, the change will be made as soon as
practicable. Otherwise, if the change in total shares outstanding is less than 10.0%, then all such changes are accumulated and made effective
at one time on a quarterly basis after the close of trading on the third Friday in each of March, June, September, and December. The NDX
Shares are derived from the security’s total shares outstanding. The NDX Shares are adjusted by the same percentage amount by which
the total shares outstanding have changed.
Historical Performance of the NDX
The following graph sets forth the daily historical
performance of the NDX in the period from January 2, 2019 through March 1, 2024. 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 March 1, 2024, the
closing level of the NDX Index was 18,302.91.
This historical data on the NDX is not necessarily
indicative of the future performance of the NDX or what the value of the Notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the
closing level of the NDX during any period set forth above is not an indication that the closing level of the NDX 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 closing levels of the NDX.
License Agreement
The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted
by Nasdaq, Inc. or its affiliates (Nasdaq, Inc., with its affiliates, are referred to as the “Corporations”). The Corporations
have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Notes.
The Corporations make no representation or warranty, 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 NDX to track general stock market
performance. The Corporations’ only relationship to our affiliate, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Licensee”)
is in the licensing of the NASDAQ®, OMX®, NASDAQ OMX®, and NDX registered trademarks, and
certain trade names of the Corporations or their licensor and the use of the NDX which is determined, composed and calculated by Nasdaq,
Inc. without regard to Licensee or the Notes. Nasdaq, Inc. has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Notes
into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the NDX. The Corporations are not
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-15 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
responsible for and have not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Notes to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation
by which the Notes are to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing
or trading of the Notes.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR
UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF THE NDX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS
TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NDX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE
CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NDX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS
HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-16 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
The Russell 2000® Index
The RTY was developed by Russell Investments (“Russell”)
before FTSE International Limited and Russell combined in 2015 to create FTSE Russell, which is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange
Group. Additional information on the RTY is available at the following website: http://www.ftserussell.com. No information on that website
is deemed to be included or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement.
Russell began dissemination of the RTY on January
1, 1984. FTSE Russell calculates and publishes the RTY. The RTY was set to 135 as of the close of business on December 31, 1986. The RTY
is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As a subset of the Russell 3000® Index, the RTY consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.
The RTY is determined, comprised, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to the Notes.
Selection of Stocks Comprising the RTY
Each company eligible for inclusion in the RTY must
be classified as a U.S. company under FTSE Russell’s country-assignment methodology. If a company is incorporated, has a stated
headquarters location, and trades in the same country (American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares are not eligible),
then the company is assigned to its country of incorporation. If any of the three factors are not the same, FTSE Russell defines three
Home Country Indicators (“HCIs”): country of incorporation, country of headquarters, and country of the most liquid exchange
(as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume) from all exchanges within a country. Using the HCIs, FTSE Russell compares
the primary location of the company’s assets with the three HCIs. If the primary location of its assets matches any of the HCIs,
then the company is assigned to the primary location of its assets. If there is insufficient information to determine the country in which
the company’s assets are primarily located, FTSE Russell will use the country from which the company’s revenues are primarily
derived for the comparison with the three HCIs in a similar manner. FTSE Russell uses the average of two years of assets or revenues data
to reduce potential turnover. If conclusive country details cannot be derived from assets or revenues data, FTSE Russell will assign the
company to the country of its headquarters, which is defined as the address of the company’s principal executive offices, unless
that country is a Benefit Driven Incorporation (“BDI”) country, in which case the company will be assigned to the country
of its most liquid stock exchange. BDI countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire,
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey,
Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Turks and Caicos Islands. For any companies incorporated or
headquartered in a U.S. territory, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. HCI is assigned.
All securities eligible for inclusion in the RTY
must trade on a major U.S. exchange. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the last trading
day in May to be eligible for inclusion during annual reconstitution. However, in order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing
member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last 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. Initial public offerings are added each
quarter and must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion.
If an existing stock does not trade on the “rank day” (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is
announced each spring) but does have a closing price at or above $1.00 on another eligible U.S. exchange, that stock will be eligible
for inclusion.
An important criterion used to determine the list
of securities eligible for the RTY is total market capitalization, which is defined as the market price as of the last trading day in
May for those securities being considered at annual reconstitution times the total number of shares outstanding. Where applicable, common
stock, non-restricted exchangeable shares and partnership units/membership interests are used to determine market capitalization. Any
other form of shares such as preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants
and rights, installment receipts or trust receipts, are excluded from the calculation. If multiple share classes of common stock exist,
they are combined. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is
considered for inclusion separately. If multiple share classes exist, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the
highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May.
Companies with a total market capitalization of
less than $30 million are not eligible for the RTY. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares available in the marketplace
are not eligible for the RTY. Royalty trusts, limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (companies that are required
to report Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, as defined by the SEC, including business development companies), blank check companies, special
purpose acquisition companies, and limited partnerships are also ineligible for inclusion. Bulletin board, pink sheets, and over-the-counter
traded securities are not eligible for inclusion. Exchange traded funds and mutual funds are also excluded.
Annual reconstitution is a process by which the
RTY is completely rebuilt. Based on closing levels of the company’s common stock on its primary exchange on the rank day of May
of each year, FTSE Russell reconstitutes the composition of the RTY using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies.
Reconstitution of the RTY occurs on the last Friday in June or, when the last Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, reconstitution occurs
on the prior Friday. In addition, FTSE Russell adds initial public offerings to the RTY on a quarterly basis based on total market capitalization
ranking within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. After membership is determined,
a security’s shares are adjusted to include only those shares available to the public. This is often referred to as “free
float.” The purpose of the adjustment is to exclude from market calculations the capitalization that is not available for purchase
and is not part of the investable opportunity set.
Historical Performance of the RTY
The following graph sets forth the daily historical
performance of the RTY in the period from January 2, 2019 through March 1, 2024. We obtained this
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-17 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not
independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On March 1, 2024, the closing level
of the RTY Index was 2,076.395.
This historical data on the RTY is not necessarily
indicative of the future performance of the RTY or what the value of the Notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the
closing level of the RTY during any period set forth above is not an indication that the closing level of the RTY 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 closing levels of the RTY.
License Agreement
“Russell 2000®” and “Russell
3000®” are trademarks of FTSE Russell and have been licensed for use by our affiliate, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated. The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell, and FTSE Russell makes no representation
regarding the advisability of investing in the Notes.
FTSE Russell and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated and its affiliates, including us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by FTSE Russell
in connection with some securities, including the Notes. The license agreement provides that the following language must be stated in
this pricing supplement:
The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or
promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes 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 RTY to
track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FTSE Russell’s publication of the RTY in no way suggests or implies
an opinion by FTSE Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the RTY is based. FTSE Russell’s
only relationship to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and to us is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade
names of FTSE Russell and of the RTY, which is determined, composed, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, us, or the Notes. FTSE Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Notes nor any associated
literature or publications and FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness,
or otherwise. FTSE Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate, or in any way change the RTY.
FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the Notes.
FTSE RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR
THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RTY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND FTSE RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS
THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED, US, BAC, BOFAS, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RTY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN.
FTSE 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 RTY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL FTSE RUSSELL
HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES.
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Role of BofAS and Conflicts
of Interest
BofAS, a broker-dealer affiliate of ours, is a member
of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and will participate as selling agent in the distribution of
the Notes. Accordingly, the offering of the Notes will conform to the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121. BofAS may not make sales in this
offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the account holder.
We expect to 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 original issue date will be required to
specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
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 pricing supplement, less the
indicated underwriting discount, if any. BofAS will sell the Notes to other broker-dealers that will participate in the offering and that
are not affiliated with us, at an agreed discount to the principal amount. Each of those broker-dealers may sell the Notes to one or more
additional broker-dealers. BofAS has informed us that these discounts may vary from dealer to dealer and that not all dealers will purchase
or repurchase the Notes at the same discount. Certain dealers who purchase the Notes for sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts may
forgo some or all of their selling concessions, fees or commissions. The public offering price for investors purchasing the Notes in these
fee-based advisory accounts may be as low as $995.00 per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes. In addition to the underwriting discount,
if any, an affiliate of BofA Finance will pay a referral fee of up to $5.00 per $1,000.00 in principal amount of Notes in connection with
the distribution of the Notes to other registered broker-dealers.
BofAS and any of our other broker-dealer affiliates
may use this pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus for offers and sales in
secondary market transactions and market-making transactions in the Notes. However, they are not obligated to engage in such secondary
market transactions and/or market-making transactions. These broker-dealer affiliates may act as principal or agent in these transactions,
and any such sales will be made at prices related to prevailing market conditions at the time of the sale.
At BofAS’s discretion, for a short, undetermined
initial period after the issuance of the Notes, 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 BofAS for the Notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and
other considerations, including the performance of the Underlyings and the remaining term of the Notes. However, none of us, the Guarantor,
BofAS or any of our other affiliates is obligated to purchase your Notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that any
party will purchase your Notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the Notes.
Any price that BofAS may pay to repurchase the Notes
will depend upon then prevailing market conditions, the creditworthiness of us and the Guarantor, and transaction costs. At certain times,
this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the Notes.
European Economic Area and United Kingdom
None of this pricing supplement, the accompanying
product supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement is a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus
Regulation (as defined below). This pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the accompanying
prospectus supplement have been prepared on the basis that any offer of Notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”)
or in the United Kingdom (each, a “Relevant State”) will only be made to a legal entity which is a qualified investor under
the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant
State of Notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the
accompanying prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement may only do so with respect to Qualified Investors. Neither BofA Finance
nor BAC has authorized, nor does it authorize, the making of any offer of Notes other than to Qualified Investors. The expression “Prospectus
Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
PROHIBITION OF SALES
TO EEA AND UNITED KINGDOM RETAIL INVESTORS – The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available
to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or in the United Kingdom. For these purposes:
(a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive
2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (the Insurance Distribution
Directive) where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii)
not a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Regulation; and (b) the expression “offer” includes the communication
in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the Notes to be offered so as to enable an investor
to decide to purchase or subscribe for the Notes. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014, as
amended (the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors
in the EEA or in the United Kingdom has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to
any retail investor in the EEA or in the United Kingdom may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.
United Kingdom
The communication of this pricing supplement, the
accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement, the accompanying
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
prospectus and any other document or materials relating
to the issue of the Notes offered hereby is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized
person for the purposes of Section 21 of the United Kingdom’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”).
Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United
Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United
Kingdom who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who fall within the definition of investment professionals
(as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Financial
Promotion Order”)), or who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order, or who are any other persons to
whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant
Persons”). In the United Kingdom, the Notes offered hereby are only available to, and any investment or investment activity to which
this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relates
will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely
on this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus
or any of their contents.
Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment
activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the Notes may only be communicated or
caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to BofA Finance, as Issuer, or BAC, as Guarantor.
All applicable provisions of the FSMA must be complied
with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to the Notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-20 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Structuring the Notes
The Notes are our debt securities, the return on
which is linked to the performance of the Underlyings. The related guarantee is BAC’s obligation. As is the case for all of our
and BAC’s respective debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the Notes reflect our and BAC’s
actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because market-linked notes result in increased operational,
funding and liability management costs to us and BAC, BAC typically borrows the funds under these types of notes at a rate, which we refer
to in this pricing supplement as BAC’s internal funding rate, that is more favorable to BAC than the rate that it might pay for
a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security. 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.
In order to meet our payment obligations on the
Notes, 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 our other affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined based upon terms
provided by BofAS and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our and BAC’s creditworthiness, interest
rate movements, the volatility of the Underlyings, the tenor of the Notes and 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 hedging related charges, reflecting the costs associated with, and our affiliates’ profit earned from, these hedging
arrangements. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, actual profits or losses from these hedging
transactions may be more or less than any expected amounts.
For further information, see “Risk Factors”
beginning on page PS-5 and “Supplemental Use of Proceeds” on page PS-20 of the accompanying product supplement.
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-21 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary
The following summary of the material U.S. federal
income and estate tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Notes supplements, and to the extent inconsistent
supersedes, the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus and is not exhaustive
of all possible tax considerations. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”),
regulations promulgated under the Code by the U.S. Treasury Department (“Treasury”) (including proposed and temporary regulations),
rulings, current administrative interpretations and official pronouncements of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect
and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that
the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. This
summary does not include any description of the tax laws of any state or local governments, or of any foreign government, that may be
applicable to a particular holder.
Although the Notes are issued by us, they will be
treated as if they were issued by BAC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly throughout this tax discussion, references to
“we,” “our” or “us” are generally to BAC unless the context requires otherwise.
This summary is directed solely to U.S. Holders
and Non-U.S. Holders that, except as otherwise specifically noted, will purchase the Notes upon original issuance and will hold the Notes
as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, which generally means property held for investment, and that are not
excluded from the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus.
You should consult your own tax advisor concerning
the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the Notes, as well as any tax consequences arising
under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax
laws.
General
Although there is no statutory, judicial, or administrative
authority directly addressing the characterization of the Notes, we intend to treat the Notes for all tax purposes as contingent income-bearing
single financial contracts with respect to the Underlyings and under the terms of the Notes, we and every investor in the Notes agree,
in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to treat the Notes in accordance with such characterization.
In the opinion of our counsel, Sidley Austin LLP, it is reasonable to treat the Notes as contingent income-bearing single financial contracts
with respect to the Underlyings. However, Sidley Austin LLP has advised us that it is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not
that this treatment will be upheld. This discussion assumes that the Notes constitute contingent income-bearing single financial contracts
with respect to the Underlyings for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Notes did not constitute contingent income-bearing single
financial contracts, the tax consequences described below would be materially different.
This characterization of the Notes is not binding
on the IRS or the courts. No statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the Notes or
any similar instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to their proper
characterization and treatment. Due to the absence of authorities on point, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences
of an investment in the Notes are not certain, and no assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with the characterization
and tax treatment described in this pricing supplement. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding all aspects of
the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes, including possible alternative characterizations.
Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion
is based on the characterization described above. The discussion in this section assumes that there is a significant possibility of a
significant loss of principal on an investment in the Notes.
We will not attempt to ascertain whether any issuer
of a component stock included in an Underlying would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”),
within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code, or a United States real property holding corporation, within the meaning of Section 897(c)
of the Code. If the issuer of one or more stocks included in an Underlying were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences
could possibly apply to a holder of the Notes. You should refer to information filed with the SEC by the issuers of the component stocks
included in each Underlying and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you, if any, if any issuer of a component
stock included in an Underlying is or becomes a PFIC or is or becomes a United States real property holding corporation.
U.S. Holders
Although the U.S. federal income tax treatment of
any Contingent Coupon Payment on the Notes is uncertain, we intend to take the position, and the following discussion assumes, that any
Contingent Coupon Payment constitutes taxable ordinary income to a U.S. Holder at the time received or accrued in accordance with the
U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting. By purchasing the Notes you agree, in the absence of an administrative determination
or judicial ruling to the contrary, to treat any Contingent Coupon Payment as described in the preceding sentence.
Upon receipt of a cash payment at maturity or upon
a sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes prior to maturity, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the
difference between the amount realized (other than amounts representing any Contingent Coupon Payment, which would be taxed as described
above) and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Notes. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Notes will equal the amount paid by
that holder to acquire them. This capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the Notes
for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Alternative Tax Treatments. Due to the absence
of authorities that directly address the proper tax treatment of the Notes, prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors
regarding all possible alternative tax treatments of an investment in the Notes. In particular, the IRS could seek to subject the Notes
to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. If the IRS were successful in that regard, the timing and character
of income on the Notes would be affected significantly. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue original issue discount
every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance. In addition, any gain realized by a U.S. Holder at
maturity or upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes generally would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized at
maturity or upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes generally would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s
prior accruals of original issue discount, and as capital loss thereafter.
In addition, it is possible that the Notes could
be treated as a unit consisting of a deposit and a put option written by the Note holder, in which case the timing and character of income
on the Notes would be affected significantly.
The IRS released Notice 2008-2 (the "Notice"),
which sought comments from the public on the taxation of financial instruments currently taxed as “prepaid forward contracts.”
This Notice addresses instruments such as the Notes. According to the Notice, the IRS and Treasury are considering whether a holder of
an instrument such as the Notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, regardless of whether any payments are
made prior to maturity. It is not possible to determine what guidance the IRS and Treasury will ultimately issue, if any. Any such future
guidance may affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain, or loss in respect of the Notes, possibly with retroactive effect.
The IRS and Treasury are also considering additional
issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders
of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, whether Section 1260 of the Code, concerning certain
“constructive ownership transactions,” generally applies or should generally apply to such instruments, and whether any of
these determinations depend on the nature of the underlying asset.
In addition, proposed Treasury regulations require
the accrual of income on a current basis for contingent payments made under certain notional principal contracts. The preamble to the
regulations states that the “wait and see” method of accounting does not properly reflect the economic accrual of income on
those contracts, and requires current accrual of income for some contracts already in existence. While the proposed regulations do not
apply to prepaid forward contracts, the preamble to the proposed regulations expresses the view that similar timing issues exist in the
case of prepaid forward contracts. If the IRS or Treasury publishes future guidance requiring current economic accrual for contingent
payments on prepaid forward contracts, it is possible that you could be required to accrue income over the term of the Notes.
Because of the absence of authority regarding the
appropriate tax characterization of the Notes, it is also possible that the IRS could seek to characterize the Notes in a manner that
results in tax consequences that are different from those described above. For example, the IRS could possibly assert that any gain or
loss that a holder may recognize at maturity or upon the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes should be treated as ordinary gain
or loss.
Because each Underlying is an index that periodically
rebalances, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as a series of contingent income-bearing single financial contracts, each of
which matures on the next rebalancing date. If the Notes were properly characterized in such a manner, a U.S. Holder would be treated
as disposing of the Notes on each rebalancing date in return for new Notes that mature on the next rebalancing date, and a U.S. Holder
would accordingly likely recognize capital gain or loss on each rebalancing date equal to the difference between the holder’s tax
basis in the Notes (which would be adjusted to take into account any prior recognition of gain or loss) and the fair market value of the
Notes on such date.
Non-U.S. Holders
Because the U.S. federal income tax treatment of
the Notes (including any Contingent Coupon Payment) is uncertain, we (or the applicable paying agent) will withhold U.S. federal income
tax at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on the entire amount of any Contingent Coupon Payment made
unless such payments are effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the U.S. (in which case,
to avoid withholding, the Non-U.S. Holder will be required to provide a Form W-8ECI). We (or the applicable paying agent) will not pay
any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. To claim benefits under an income tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder must obtain a taxpayer
identification number and certify as to its eligibility under the appropriate treaty’s limitations on benefits article, if applicable.
In addition, special rules may apply to claims for treaty benefits made by Non-U.S. Holders that are entities rather than individuals.
The availability of a lower rate of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty will depend on whether such rate applies to the
characterization of the payments under U.S. federal income tax laws. A Non-U.S. Holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal
withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for
refund with the IRS.
Except as discussed below, a Non-U.S. Holder generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax for amounts paid in respect of the Notes (not including, for the avoidance
of doubt, amounts representing any Contingent Coupon Payment which would be subject to the rules discussed in the previous paragraph)
upon the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes or their settlement at maturity, provided that the Non-U.S. Holder complies with applicable
certification requirements and that the payment is not effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a U.S. trade or
business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes or their settlement at maturity may
be subject to U.S. federal income tax if that Non-U.S. Holder is a non-resident alien individual and is present in the U.S. for 183 days
or more during the taxable year of the sale, exchange, redemption, or settlement and certain other conditions are satisfied.
If a Non-U.S. Holder of the Notes is engaged in
the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and if any Contingent Coupon Payment and gain
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
realized on the settlement at maturity, or upon
sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes, is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties
apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S.), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt
from U.S. federal withholding tax, generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such Contingent Coupon Payment and gain on
a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. Such Non-U.S. Holders should read the material under the heading “—U.S.
Holders,” for a description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the Notes. In addition,
if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided
by any applicable tax treaty) of a portion of its earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with its conduct
of a trade or business in the U.S., subject to certain adjustments.
A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated
as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid
to a Non-U.S. Holder. Under Treasury regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”)
that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying
security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment
with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, IRS guidance provides that withholding on dividend equivalent
payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2025. Based on our
determination that the Notes are not delta-one instruments, Non-U.S. Holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent
payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income
tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Underlyings or the Notes, and following such occurrence the Notes could
be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. Holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions
in respect of the Underlyings or the Notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding
tax in the context of the Notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding,
we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect
to amounts so withheld.
As discussed above, alternative characterizations
of the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization, by reason of change or clarification
of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments as to the Notes to become subject to withholding tax in addition to the withholding
tax described above, tax will be withheld at the applicable statutory rate. Prospective Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the tax consequences of such alternative characterizations.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax. Under current law,
while the matter is not entirely clear, individual Non-U.S. Holders, and entities whose property is potentially includible in those individuals’
gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual
has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, a Note is likely to be treated as U.S.
situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in a Note.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations — General — Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” in the accompanying prospectus for
a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on the Notes.
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Contingent Income Auto-Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the Nasdaq-100® Index and the Russell 2000® Index
Where You Can Find More Information
The terms and risks of the Notes are contained in
this pricing supplement and in the following related product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, which can be accessed at
the following links:
• Product Supplement EQUITY-1 dated December 30, 2022:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1682472/000119312522315473/d429684d424b2.htm
• Series A MTN prospectus supplement dated December 30, 2022 and prospectus dated December 30, 2022:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1682472/000119312522315195/d409418d424b3.htm
This pricing supplement and the accompanying product
supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without
cost, be accessed on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or obtained from BofAS by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you invest, you should read
this pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus for information about us, BAC and
this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by this
pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. Certain terms used but not defined in
this pricing supplement have the meanings set forth in the accompanying product supplement or prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise
indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,”
or similar references are to BofA Finance, and not to BAC.
The Notes are our senior debt securities. Any payments
on the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BAC. The Notes and the related guarantee are not insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or secured by collateral. The Notes will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations, except obligations that are subject to any priorities or preferences by law. The related guarantee will rank equally in right
of payment with all of BAC’s other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations, except obligations that are subject to any priorities
or preferences by law, and senior to its subordinated obligations. Any payments due on the Notes, including any repayment of the principal
amount, will be subject to the credit risk of BofA Finance, as Issuer, and BAC, as Guarantor
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CONTINGENT INCOME AUTO-CALLABLE YIELD NOTES | PS-25 |
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