Pricing Supplement dated May 16, 2024 Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement No. 333-261476 (To Product Supplement No. WF-1 dated August 29, 2022, Prospectus Supplement dated December 29, 2021 and Prospectus dated December 29, 2021) |
The Bank of Nova Scotia Senior Note Program, Series A Equity Linked Securities | |
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
■ Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (the “Underlying Stock”) ■ Unlike ordinary debt securities, the securities do not provide for fixed payments of interest, do not repay a fixed amount of principal at stated maturity and are subject to potential automatic call prior to stated maturity upon the terms described below. Whether the securities pay a contingent coupon payment, whether the securities are automatically called prior to stated maturity and, if they are not automatically called, whether you receive the face amount of your securities at stated maturity will depend, in each case, on the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the relevant calculation day. ■ Contingent Coupon. The securities will pay a contingent coupon payment on a quarterly basis until the earlier of stated maturity or automatic call if, and only if, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the calculation day for that quarter is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on one or more calculation days is less than the coupon threshold price and, on a subsequent calculation day, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on that subsequent calculation day is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price, the securities will pay the contingent coupon payment due for that subsequent calculation day plus all previously unpaid contingent coupon payments (without interest on amounts previously unpaid). If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on a calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price, you will not receive any contingent coupon on the related quarterly contingent coupon payment date. In addition, if the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on a calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price and the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on each subsequent calculation day up to and including the final calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price, you will not receive the unpaid contingent coupon payments in respect of those calculation days. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock is less than the coupon threshold price on every calculation day, you will not receive any contingent coupon payments throughout the entire term of the securities. The coupon threshold price for the Underlying Stock is equal to 60% of the starting price. The contingent coupon rate is 14.00% per annum ■ Automatic Call. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on any of the quarterly calculation days from November 2024 to February 2027, inclusive, is greater than or equal to the starting price, the securities will be automatically called for the face amount plus a final contingent coupon and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments ■ Potential Loss of Principal. If the securities are not automatically called prior to stated maturity, you will receive the face amount at stated maturity if, and only if, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day is less than the downside threshold price, you will lose more than 40%, and possibly all, of the face amount of your securities. The downside threshold price for the Underlying Stock is equal to 60% of the starting price ■ If the securities are not automatically called prior to stated maturity, you will have full downside exposure to the Underlying Stock from the starting price if the stock closing price on the final calculation day is less than the downside threshold price, but you will not participate in any appreciation of the Underlying Stock and will not receive any dividends ■ All payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of The Bank of Nova Scotia (the “Bank”) ■ No exchange listing; designed to be held to maturity |
The securities have complex features and investing in the securities involves risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities. See “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-10 herein and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-3 of the accompanying product supplement, beginning on page S-2 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and on page 7 of the accompanying prospectus.
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., our affiliate, has agreed to purchase the securities from the Bank for distribution to other registered broker dealers including Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”). Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or any of its affiliates or agents may use this pricing supplement in market-making transactions in securities after their initial sale. If you are buying securities from Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents, this pricing supplement may be used in a market-making transaction. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement.
The securities are senior unsecured debt obligations of the Bank, and, accordingly, all payments are subject to credit risk. The securities are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation pursuant to the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (the “CDIC Act”) or the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this pricing supplement or the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Original Offering Price | Agent Discount(1) | Proceeds to The Bank of Nova Scotia(2) | |
Per Security | $1,000.00 | $23.25 | $976.75 |
Total | $740,000.00 | $17,205.00 | $722,795.00 |
(1) | Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or one of our affiliates has agreed to purchase the aggregate face amount of the securities and as part of the distribution, has agreed to sell the securities to WFS at a discount of $23.25 (2.325%) per security. WFS will provide selected dealers, which may include Wells Fargo Advisors (“WFA”, the trade name of the retail brokerage business of Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC), with a selling concession of $17.50 (1.75%) per security, and WFA will receive a distribution expense fee of $0.75 (0.075%) per security for securities sold by WFA. In respect of certain securities sold in this offering, we will pay a fee of up to $1.50 per security to selected securities dealers in consideration for marketing and other services in connection with the distribution of the securities to other securities dealers. See “Terms of the Securities—Agents” herein and “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement for additional information. |
(2) | Excludes any profits from hedging. For additional considerations relating to hedging activities see “Selected Risk Considerations — Risks Relating To The Estimated Value Of The Securities And Any Secondary Market — The Inclusion of Dealer Spread and Projected Profit from Hedging in the Original Offering Price is Likely to Adversely Affect Secondary Market Prices” in this pricing supplement. |
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. | Wells Fargo Securities |
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Terms of the Securities |
Issuer: | The Bank of Nova Scotia (the “Bank”). |
Market Measure: | Common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (the “Underlying Stock”). |
Pricing Date: | May 16, 2024. |
Issue Date: | May 21, 2024. |
Original Offering Price: | $1,000 per security. |
Face Amount: | $1,000 per security. References in this pricing supplement to a “security” are to a security with a face amount of $1,000. |
Contingent Coupon Payment (with Memory Feature): | On each contingent coupon payment date, you will receive a contingent coupon payment at a per annum rate equal to the contingent coupon rate if, and only if, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the related calculation day is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price. Each “contingent coupon payment,” if any, will be calculated per security as follows: ($1,000 × contingent coupon rate) / 4. Any contingent coupon payment will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent rounded upward. In addition, if the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on one or more calculation days is less than the coupon threshold price and, on a subsequent calculation day, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on that subsequent calculation day is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price, the securities will pay the contingent coupon payment due for that subsequent calculation day plus all previously unpaid contingent coupon payments (without interest on amounts previously unpaid). If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on any calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date. In addition, if the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on a calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price and the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on each subsequent calculation day up to and including the final calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price, you will not receive the unpaid contingent coupon payments in respect of those calculation days. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock is less than the coupon threshold price on all calculation days, you will not receive any contingent coupon payments over the term of the securities. |
Contingent Coupon Payment Dates: | Quarterly, on the third business day following each calculation day (as each such calculation day may be postponed pursuant to “—Market Disruption Events and Postponement Provisions” below, if applicable); provided that the contingent coupon payment date with respect to the final calculation day will be the stated maturity date. |
Contingent Coupon Rate: | The “contingent coupon rate” is 14.00% per annum. |
Automatic Call: | If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on any of the calculation days from November 2024 to February 2027, inclusive, is greater than or equal to the starting price, the securities will be automatically called, and on the related call settlement date you will be entitled to receive a cash payment per security in U.S. dollars equal to the face amount plus a final contingent coupon payment, and any previously unpaid contingent coupons. The securities will not be subject to automatic call until the second calculation day, which is approximately six months after the issue date. If the securities are automatically called, they will cease to be outstanding on the related call settlement date and you will have no further rights under the securities after such call settlement date. You will not receive any notice from us if the securities are automatically called. |
Calculation Days: | Quarterly, on the 16th day of each February, May, August and November, commencing in August 2024 and ending in May 2027, each subject to postponement as described below under “—Market Disruption Events and Postponement Provisions.” We refer to the calculation day scheduled to occur in May 2027 (May 17, 2027) as the “final calculation day.” |
P-2
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Call Settlement Date: | Three business days after the applicable calculation day (as each such calculation day may be postponed pursuant to “—Market Disruption Events and Postponement Provisions” below, if applicable). |
Stated Maturity Date: | May 20, 2027, subject to postponement. The securities are not subject to repayment at the option of any holder of the securities prior to the stated maturity date. |
Maturity Payment Amount: | If the securities are not automatically called prior to the stated maturity date, you will be entitled to receive on the stated maturity date a cash payment per security in U.S. dollars equal to the maturity payment amount (in addition to the final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments, if due). The “maturity payment amount” per security will equal: • if the ending price is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price: $1,000; or • if the ending price is less than the downside threshold price: |
$1,000 × performance factor | |
If the securities are not automatically called prior to stated maturity and the ending price is less than the downside threshold price, you will lose more than 40%, and possibly all, of the face amount of your securities at stated maturity. Any return on the securities will be limited to the sum of your contingent coupon payments, if any. You will not participate in any appreciation of the Underlying Stock, but you will have full downside exposure to the Underlying Stock if the ending price is less than the downside threshold price. | |
Performance Factor: | The ending price divided by the starting price (expressed as a percentage). |
Stock Closing Price: | Stock closing price, closing price and adjustment factor have the meanings set forth under “General Terms of the Securities—Certain Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Stock—Certain Definitions” in the accompanying product supplement. |
Starting Price: | $162.62, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the pricing date. |
Ending Price: | The “ending price” will be the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day. |
Coupon Threshold Price: | $97.572, which is equal to 60% of the starting price. |
Downside Threshold Price: | $97.572, which is equal to 60% of the starting price. |
Market Disruption Events and Postponement Provisions: | Each calculation day is subject to postponement due to non-trading days and the occurrence of a market disruption event. In addition, the stated maturity date will be postponed if the final calculation day is postponed and will be adjusted for non-business days. For more information regarding adjustments to the calculation days and the stated maturity date, see “General Terms of the Securities—Consequences of a Market Disruption Event; Postponement of a Calculation Day—Securities Linked to a Single Market Measure” and “—Payment Dates” in the accompanying product supplement. For purposes of the accompanying product supplement, each call settlement date and the stated maturity date is a “payment date.” In addition, for information regarding the circumstances that may result in a market disruption event, see “General Terms of the Securities—Certain Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Stock—Market Disruption Events” in the accompanying product supplement. |
Calculation Agent: | Scotia Capital Inc., an affiliate of the Bank |
Material Tax Consequences: | For a discussion of Canadian income tax considerations to a holder of owning the securities, see “Canadian Income Tax Consequences” herein. For a discussion of United States federal income tax considerations to a holder's ownership and disposition of the securities, see “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” herein. |
Tax Redemption: | The Bank (or its successor) may redeem the securities, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price determined by the Calculation Agent in a manner reasonably calculated to preserve your and our relative economic position, if it is determined that changes in tax laws of Canada (or the jurisdiction of organization of the successor to the Bank) or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation or their interpretation will result in the Bank (or its successor) becoming obligated to pay additional amounts with respect to the securities. See “Tax Redemption” in the accompanying product supplement. |
P-3
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Agents: | Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or one of our affiliates has agreed to purchase the aggregate face amount of the securities and as part of the distribution, has agreed to sell the securities to WFS at a discount of $23.25 (2.325%) per security. WFS will provide selected dealers, which may include WFA, with a selling concession of $17.50 (1.75%) per security, and WFA will receive a distribution expense fee of $0.75 (0.075%) per security for securities sold by WFA. In addition, in respect of certain securities sold in this offering, we will pay a fee of up to $1.50 per security to selected securities dealers in consideration for marketing and other services in connection with the distribution of the securities to other securities dealers. See also “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in the accompanying product supplement. The price at which you purchase the securities includes costs that the Bank, the Agents or their respective affiliates expect to incur and profits that the Bank, the Agents or their respective affiliates expect to realize in connection with hedging activities related to the securities, as set forth above. These costs and profits will likely reduce the secondary market price, if any secondary market develops, for the securities. As a result, you may experience an immediate and substantial decline in the market value of your securities on the pricing date. See “Selected Risk Considerations — Risks Relating To The Estimated Value Of The Securities And Any Secondary Market — The Inclusion of Dealer Spread and Projected Profit from Hedging in the Original Offering Price is Likely to Adversely Affect Secondary Market Prices” in this pricing supplement. |
Status: | The securities will constitute direct, senior, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of the Bank ranking pari passu with all other direct, senior, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank from time to time outstanding (except as otherwise prescribed by law). Holders will not have the benefit of any insurance under the provisions of the CDIC Act, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Act or under any other deposit insurance regime. |
Listing: | The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system |
Use of Proceeds: | General corporate purposes |
Clearance and Settlement: | The Depository Trust Company |
Canadian Bail-in: | The securities are not bail-inable debt securities under the CDIC Act |
Denominations: | $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. |
CUSIP / ISIN: | 06417YU49 / US06417YU495 |
P-4
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Additional Information about the Issuer and the Securities |
You should read this pricing supplement together with product supplement No. WF-1 dated August 29, 2022, the prospectus supplement dated December 29, 2021 and the prospectus dated December 29, 2021 for additional information about the securities. Information included in this pricing supplement supersedes information in the product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus to the extent it is different from that information. Certain defined terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus. In the event of any conflict, this pricing supplement will control. The securities may vary from the terms described in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus in several important ways. You should read this pricing supplement, including the documents incorporated herein, carefully.
You may access the product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus on the SEC website www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filing for the relevant date on the SEC website):
• | Product Supplement No. WF-1 dated August 29, 2022: |
• | Prospectus Supplement dated December 29, 2021: |
• | Prospectus dated December 29, 2021: |
P-5
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Estimated Value of the Securities |
The Bank's estimated value of the securities set forth on the cover of this pricing supplement is equal to the sum of the values of the following hypothetical components: (1) a fixed-income debt component with the same maturity as the securities, valued using our internal funding rate for structured debt described below, and (2) the derivative or derivatives underlying the economic terms of the securities. The Bank's estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which the Bank would be willing to buy your securities in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The internal funding rate used in the determination of the Bank's estimated value generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The discount is based on, among other things, our view of the funding value of the securities as well as the higher issuance, operational and ongoing liability management costs of the securities in comparison to those costs for our conventional fixed-rate debt. For additional information, see “Selected Risk Considerations — Risks Relating To The Estimated Value Of The Securities And Any Secondary Market — The Bank's Estimated Value Is Not Determined By Reference To Credit Spreads For Our Conventional Fixed-Rate Debt.” The value of the derivative or derivatives underlying the economic terms of the securities is derived from the Bank's internal pricing model. This model is dependent on inputs such as the traded market prices of comparable derivative instruments and on various other inputs, some of which are market-observable, and which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors, as well as assumptions about future market events and/or environments. Accordingly, the Bank's estimated value of the securities was determined when the terms of the securities were set based on market conditions and other relevant factors and assumptions existing at that time. See “Selected Risk Considerations — Risks Relating To The Estimated Value Of The Securities And Any Secondary Market — The Bank's Estimated Value Does Not Represent Future Values Of The Securities And May Differ From Others’ Estimates.”
The Bank's estimated value of the securities is lower than the original offering price of the securities because costs associated with selling, structuring and hedging the securities are included in the original offering price of the securities. These costs include the selling commissions paid to the Agents and other affiliated or unaffiliated dealers, the projected profits that we or our hedge provider expect to realize for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the securities and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the securities. The profits also include an estimate of the difference between the amounts we or our hedge provider pay and receive in a hedging transaction with our affiliate and/or an affiliate of WFS in connection with your securities. We pay to such hedge provider amounts based on, but at a discount to, what we would pay to holders of a non-structured note with a similar maturity. In return for such payment, such hedge provider pays to us the amount we owe under the securities. Because hedging our obligations entails risk and may be influenced by market forces beyond our control, this hedging may result in a profit that is more or less than expected, or it may result in a loss. We or one or more of our affiliates will retain any profits realized in hedging our obligations under the securities. See “Selected Risk Considerations — Risks Relating To The Estimated Value Of The Securities And Any Secondary Market — The Bank’s Estimated Value Of The Securities Is Lower Than The Original Offering Price Of The Securities” in this pricing supplement.
P-6
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Investor Considerations |
The securities are not appropriate for all investors. The securities may be an appropriate investment for investors who:
• | seek an investment with contingent coupon payments at a rate of 14.00% per annum until the earlier of stated maturity or automatic call, if, and only if, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the applicable calculation day is greater than or equal to 60% of the starting price; |
• | understand that if the ending price has declined by more than 40% from the starting price, they will be fully exposed to the decline in the Underlying Stock from the starting price and will lose more than 40%, and possibly all, of the face amount at stated maturity; |
• | are willing to accept the risk that they may receive few or no contingent coupon payments over the term of the securities; |
• | understand that the securities may be automatically called prior to stated maturity and that the term of the securities may be as short as approximately six months; |
• | understand and are willing to accept the full downside risks of the Underlying Stock; |
• | are willing to forgo participation in any appreciation of the Underlying Stock and dividends on the Underlying Stock; and |
• | are willing to hold the securities until maturity. |
The securities may not be an appropriate investment for investors who:
• | seek a liquid investment or are unable or unwilling to hold the securities to maturity; |
• | require full payment of the face amount of the securities at stated maturity; |
• | seek a security with a fixed term; |
• | are unwilling to purchase securities with an estimated value as of the pricing date that is lower than the original offering price; |
• | are unwilling to accept the risk that the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day may decline by more than 40% from the starting price; |
• | seek certainty of current income over the term of the securities; |
• | seek exposure to the upside performance of the Underlying Stock; |
• | are unwilling to accept the risk of exposure to the Underlying Stock; |
• | are unwilling to accept the credit risk of the Bank; or |
• | prefer the lower risk of conventional fixed income investments with comparable maturities issued by companies with comparable credit ratings. |
The considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the securities are an appropriate investment for you will depend on your individual circumstances, and you should reach an investment decision only after you and your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors have carefully considered the appropriateness of an investment in the securities in light of your particular circumstances. You should also review carefully the “Selected Risk Considerations” herein and the “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement for risks related to an investment in the securities. For more information about the Underlying Stock, please see the section titled “The Underlying Stock” below.
P-7
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Determining Payment On A Contingent Coupon Payment Date and at Maturity |
If the securities have not been previously automatically called, on each contingent coupon payment date, you will either receive a contingent coupon payment (including any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments) or you will not receive a contingent coupon payment, depending on the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the related calculation day.
If the securities have not been automatically called prior to the stated maturity date, then at maturity you will receive (in addition to the final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments, if due) a cash payment per security (the maturity payment amount) calculated as follows:
P-8
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Hypothetical Payout Profile |
The following profile illustrates the potential maturity payment amount on the securities (excluding the final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments, if due) for a range of hypothetical performances of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day from the starting price to the ending price, assuming the securities have not been automatically called prior to the stated maturity date. As this profile illustrates, in no event will you have a positive rate of return based solely on the maturity payment amount received at maturity; any positive return will be based solely on the contingent coupon payments, if any, received during the term of the securities. This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only. Your actual return will depend on the actual ending price and whether you hold your securities to stated maturity.
P-9
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Selected Risk Considerations |
The securities have complex features and investing in the securities will involve risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities. Some of the risks that apply to an investment in the securities are summarized below, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of the risks relating to the securities generally in the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying product supplement. You should reach an investment decision only after you have carefully considered with your advisors the appropriateness of an investment in the securities in light of your particular circumstances.
Risks Relating To The Securities Generally
If The Securities Are Not Automatically Called Prior To Stated Maturity, You May Lose Some Or All Of The Face Amount Of Your Securities At Stated Maturity.
We will not repay you a fixed amount on the securities at stated maturity. If the securities are not automatically called prior to stated maturity, you will receive a maturity payment amount that will be equal to or less than the face amount, depending on the ending price.
If the ending price is less than the downside threshold price, the maturity payment amount will be reduced by an amount equal to the decline in the price of the Underlying Stock from the starting price (expressed as a percentage of the starting price). The downside threshold price for the Underlying Stock is 60% of the starting price. For example, if the securities are not automatically called and the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day has declined by 40.1% from the starting price to the ending price, you will not receive any benefit of the contingent downside protection feature and you will lose 40.1% of the face amount. As a result, you will not receive any protection if the price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day declines significantly and you may lose some, and possibly all, of the face amount at stated maturity, even if the price of the Underlying Stock is greater than or equal to the starting price or the downside threshold price at certain times during the term of the securities.
Even if the ending price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price, the maturity payment amount will not exceed the face amount, and your yield on the securities, taking into account any contingent coupon payments you may have received during the term of the securities, may be less than the yield you would earn if you bought a traditional interest-bearing debt security of the Bank or another issuer with a similar credit rating.
The Securities Do Not Provide For Fixed Payments Of Interest And You May Receive No Coupon Payments On One Or More Contingent Coupon Payment Dates, Or Even Throughout The Entire Term Of The Securities.
On each contingent coupon payment date you will receive a contingent coupon payment if, and only if, the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the related calculation day is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price. The coupon threshold price for the Underlying Stock is 60% of the starting price. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on any calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date. You will receive a previously unpaid contingent coupon payment on a subsequent contingent coupon payment date if and only if the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on the related calculation day is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price. However, if the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on a calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price and the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on each subsequent calculation day up to and including the final calculation day is less than the coupon threshold price, you will not receive the unpaid contingent coupon payments in respect of those calculation days. If the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock is less than the coupon threshold price on each calculation day over the term of the securities, you will not receive any contingent coupon payments over the entire term of the securities.
You May Be Fully Exposed To The Decline In The Underlying Stock On The Final Calculation Day From The Starting Price, But Will Not Participate In Any Positive Performance Of The Underlying Stock.
Even though you will be fully exposed to a decline in the price of the Underlying Stock on the final calculation day if the ending price is below the downside threshold price, you will not participate in any increase in the price of the Underlying Stock over the term of the securities. Your maximum possible return on the securities will be limited to the sum of the contingent coupon payments you receive, if any. Consequently, your return on the securities may be significantly less than the return you could achieve on an alternative investment that provides for participation in an increase in the price of the Underlying Stock.
Higher Contingent Coupon Rates Are Associated With Greater Risk.
The securities offer contingent coupon payments at a higher rate, if paid, than the fixed rate we would pay on conventional debt securities of the same maturity. These higher potential contingent coupon payments are associated with greater levels of expected risk as of the pricing date as compared to conventional debt securities, including the risk that you may not receive a contingent coupon payment on one or more, or any, contingent coupon payment dates and the risk that you may lose a substantial portion, and possibly all, of the face amount at maturity. The volatility of the Underlying Stock affects this risk. Volatility is a measurement of the size and frequency of daily fluctuations in the price of an Underlying Stock, typically observed over a specified period of time. Volatility can be measured in a variety of ways, including on a historical basis or on an expected basis as implied by option prices in the market. Greater expected volatility of the Underlying Stock as of the pricing date may result in a higher contingent coupon rate, but it also represents a greater expected likelihood as of the pricing date that the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock will be less than the coupon threshold price on one or more calculation days, such that you will not receive one or more, or any, contingent coupon payments during the term of the securities, and that the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock will be less than the downside threshold price on the final calculation day such that you will lose a substantial portion, and possibly all, of the face amount at maturity. In general, the higher the contingent coupon rate is relative to the fixed rate we would pay on conventional debt securities, the greater the expected risk that you will not receive one or more, or any, contingent coupon payments during the term of the securities and that you will lose a substantial portion, and possibly all, of the face amount at maturity.
P-10
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
You Will Be Subject To Reinvestment Risk.
If your securities are automatically called, the term of the securities may be reduced to as short as approximately six months. There is no guarantee that you would be able to reinvest the proceeds from an investment in the securities at a comparable return for a similar level of risk in the event the securities are automatically called prior to maturity.
Risks Relating To An Investment In the Bank’s Debt Securities, Including The Securities
Your Investment Is Subject To The Credit Risk Of The Bank.
The securities are senior unsecured debt obligations of the Bank, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. As further described in the accompanying prospectus, product supplement and prospectus supplement, the securities will rank on a parity with all of the other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of the Bank, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law. Any payment to be made on the securities, including the maturity payment amount, depends on the ability of the Bank to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of the Bank may affect the market value of the securities and, in the event the Bank were to default on its obligations, you may not receive the amounts owed to you under the terms of the securities. If you sell the securities prior to maturity, you may receive substantially less than the face amount of your securities.
Risks Relating To The Estimated Value Of The Securities And Any Secondary Market
The Inclusion Of Dealer Spread And Projected Profit From Hedging In The Original Offering Price Is Likely To Adversely Affect Secondary Market Prices.
Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the price, if any, at which Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or any other party is willing to purchase the securities at any time in secondary market transactions will likely be significantly lower than the original offering price, since secondary market prices are likely to exclude discounts and underwriting commissions paid with respect to the securities and the cost of hedging our obligations under the securities that are included in the original offering price. The cost of hedging includes the projected profit that we or our hedge provider may realize in consideration for assuming the risks inherent in managing the hedging transactions. These secondary market prices are also likely to be reduced by the costs of unwinding the related hedging transactions. The profits also include an estimate of the difference between the amounts we or our hedge provider pay and receive in a hedging transaction with our affiliate and/or an affiliate of WFS in connection with your securities. In addition, any secondary market prices may differ from values determined by pricing models used by Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. or WFS as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups or other transaction costs.
WFS has advised us that if it or any of its affiliates makes a secondary market in the securities at any time up to the issue date or during the 3-month period following the issue date, the secondary market price offered by WFS or any of its affiliates will be increased by an amount reflecting a portion of the costs associated with selling, structuring and hedging the securities that are included in the original offering price. Because this portion of the costs is not fully deducted upon issuance, WFS has advised us that any secondary market price it or any of its affiliates offers during this period will be higher than it otherwise would be outside of this period, as any secondary market price offered outside of this period will reflect the full deduction of the costs as described above. WFS has advised us that the amount of this increase in the secondary market price will decline steadily to zero over this 3-month period. If you hold the securities through an account at WFS or any of its affiliates, WFS has advised us that it expects that this increase will also be reflected in the value indicated for the securities on your brokerage account statement.
The Bank's Estimated Value Of The Securities Is Lower Than The Original Offering Price Of The Securities.
The Bank's estimated value is only an estimate using several factors. The original offering price of the securities exceeds the Bank's estimated value because costs associated with selling and structuring the securities, as well as hedging the securities, are included in the original offering price of the securities. These costs include the selling commissions and the estimated cost of using a third party hedge provider to hedge our obligations under the securities. See “The Bank's Estimated Value of the Securities” in this pricing supplement.
The Bank's Estimated Value Does Not Represent Future Values Of The Securities And May Differ From Others' Estimates.
The Bank's estimated value of the securities was determined by reference to the Bank's internal pricing models when the terms of the securities were set. This estimated value is based on market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time and the Bank's assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors as well as an estimate of the difference between the amounts we or our hedge provider pay and receive in a hedging transaction with our affiliate and/or an affiliate of WFS in connection with your securities. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for securities that are greater than or less than the Bank's estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the value of the securities could change significantly based on, among other things, changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors, which may impact the price, if any, at which the Bank would be willing to buy securities from you in secondary market transactions. See “The Bank's Estimated Value of the Securities” in this pricing supplement.
The Bank's Estimated Value Is Not Determined By Reference To Credit Spreads For Our Conventional Fixed-Rate Debt.
The internal funding rate used in the determination of the Bank's estimated value generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. If the Bank were to use the interest rate implied by our conventional fixed-rate credit spreads, we would expect the economic terms of the securities to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate has an adverse effect on the terms of the securities and any secondary market prices of the securities. See “The Bank's Estimated Value of the Securities” in this pricing supplement.
P-11
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
If The Price Of The Underlying Stock Changes, The Market Value Of Your Securities May Not Change In The Same Manner.
Your securities may trade quite differently from the performance of the Underlying Stock. Changes in the price of the Underlying Stock may not result in a comparable change in the market value of your securities. We discuss some of the reasons for this disparity under “— The Price at Which the Securities May Be Sold Prior to Maturity will Depend on a Number of Factors and May Be Substantially Less Than the Amount for Which They Were Originally Purchased” herein.
The Price At Which The Securities May Be Sold Prior To Maturity Will Depend On A Number Of Factors And May Be Substantially Less Than The Amount For Which They Were Originally Purchased.
The price at which the securities may be sold prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: (i) actual or anticipated changes in the price of the Underlying Stock over the full term of the security, (ii) volatility of the price of the Underlying Stock and the market's perception of future volatility of the price of the Underlying Stock, (iii) changes in interest rates generally, (iv) any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads, (v) dividend yields on the Underlying Stock and (vi) time remaining to maturity. In particular, because the provisions of the securities relating to the automatic call feature, the contingent coupon payment feature and the maturity payment amount behave like options, the value of the security will vary in ways which are non-linear and may not be intuitive.
Depending on the actual or anticipated price of the Underlying Stock and other relevant factors, the market value of the securities may decrease and you may receive substantially less than 100.00% of the original offering price if you sell your securities prior to maturity.
The Securities Lack Liquidity.
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the securities. Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the securities. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Because we do not expect that other broker-dealers will participate significantly in the secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. is willing to purchase the securities from you. If at any time Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. was not to make a market in the securities, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the securities. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your securities to maturity.
Risks Relating To The Underlying Stock
The Securities Will Be Subject To Single Stock Risk.
The price of the Underlying Stock can rise or fall sharply due to factors specific to that Underlying Stock and its issuer (the “Underlying Stock Issuer”), such as stock price volatility, earnings, financial conditions, corporate, industry and regulatory developments, management changes and decisions and other events, as well as general market factors, such as general stock market volatility and prices, interest rates and economic, political and other conditions.
Any Payments On The Securities And Whether The Securities Are Automatically Called Will Depend Upon The Performance Of The Underlying Stock And Therefore The Securities Are Subject To The Following Risks, Each As Discussed In More Detail In The Accompanying Product Supplement.
• | Investing In The Securities Is Not The Same As Investing In The Underlying Stock. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the Underlying Stock. As an investor in the securities, your return will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned and held the Underlying Stock for a period similar to the term of the securities because you will not receive any dividend payments, distributions or any other payments paid on the Underlying Stock. As a holder of the securities, you will not have any voting rights or any other rights that holders of the Underlying Stock would have. |
• | Historical Prices Of The Underlying Stock Should Not Be Taken As An Indication Of The Future Performance Of The Underlying Stock During The Term Of The Securities. |
• | The Securities May Become Linked To The Common Stock Of A Company Other Than An Original Underlying Stock Issuer. |
• | We, The Agents And Our Respective Affiliates Cannot Control Actions By An Underlying Stock Issuer. |
• | We, The Agents And Our Respective Affiliates Have No Affiliation With Any Underlying Stock Issuer And Have Not Independently Verified Their Public Disclosure Of Information. |
• | You Have Limited Anti-dilution Protection. |
P-12
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Risks Relating To Hedging Activities And Conflicts Of Interest
A Participating Dealer Or Its Affiliates May Realize Hedging Profits Projected By Its Proprietary Pricing Models In Addition To Any Selling Concession And/Or Any Distribution Expense Fee, Creating A Further Incentive For The Participating Dealer To Sell The Securities To You.
If any dealer participating in the distribution of the securities (referred to as a “participating dealer”) or any of its affiliates conducts hedging activities for us in connection with the securities, that participating dealer or its affiliate will expect to realize a projected profit from such hedging activities. If a participating dealer receives a concession and/or any distribution expense fee for the sale of the securities to you, this projected profit will be in addition to the concession and/or distribution expense fee, creating a further incentive for the participating dealer to sell the securities to you.
• | Hedging Activities By The Bank And/Or The Agents May Negatively Impact Investors In The Securities And Cause Our Respective Interests And Those Of Our Clients And Counterparties To Be Contrary To Those Of Investors In The Securities. |
• | Market Activities By The Bank Or The Agents For Their Own Respective Accounts Or For Their Respective Clients Could Negatively Impact Investors In The Securities. |
• | The Bank, The Agents And Their Respective Affiliates Regularly Provide Services To, Or Otherwise Have Business Relationships With, A Broad Client Base, Which Has Included And May Include Issuers Of An Underlying Stock, The Sponsor Or Investment Advisor For A Fund And/Or The Issuers Of Securities Included In An Underlying Stock Or Held By A Fund. |
• | Other Investors In The Securities May Not Have The Same Interests As You. |
• | There Are Potential Conflicts Of Interest Between You And The Calculation Agent. |
A Contingent Coupon Payment Date, A Call Settlement Date And The Stated Maturity Date May Be Postponed If A Calculation Day Is Postponed.
A calculation day (including the final calculation day) will be postponed if the applicable originally scheduled calculation day is not a trading day or if the calculation agent determines that a market disruption event has occurred or is continuing on that calculation day. If such a postponement occurs with respect to a calculation day other than the final calculation day, then the related contingent coupon payment date or call settlement date, as applicable, will be the business day that follows such postponed calculation day by a number of business days equal to the number of business days between the originally scheduled calculation day and the originally scheduled contingent coupon payment date or call settlement date, as applicable. If such a postponement occurs with respect to the final calculation day, the stated maturity date will be the later of (i) the initial stated maturity date and (ii) three business days after the last final calculation day as postponed.
Risks Relating to Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Taxation
The Tax Consequences Of An Investment In The Securities Are Unclear.
Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor about your tax situation. See “Canadian Income Tax Consequences” and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in this pricing supplement.
P-13
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Hypothetical Returns |
If the securities are automatically called:
If the securities are automatically called prior to stated maturity, you will receive the face amount of your securities plus a final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments on the call settlement date. In the event the securities are automatically called, your total return on the securities will equal any contingent coupon payments received prior to the call settlement date and any contingent coupon payment(s) received on the call settlement date.
If the securities are not automatically called:
If the securities are not automatically called prior to stated maturity, the following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical performance factors, the hypothetical maturity payment amount payable at stated maturity per security (excluding the final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments, if due). The performance factor is the ending price expressed as a percentage of the starting price (i.e., the ending price divided by the starting price).
Hypothetical performance factor | Hypothetical maturity payment amount per security |
175.00% | $1,000.00 |
160.00% | $1,000.00 |
150.00% | $1,000.00 |
140.00% | $1,000.00 |
130.00% | $1,000.00 |
120.00% | $1,000.00 |
110.00% | $1,000.00 |
100.00% | $1,000.00 |
90.00% | $1,000.00 |
80.00% | $1,000.00 |
70.00% | $1,000.00 |
60.00% | $1,000.00 |
59.00% | $590.00 |
50.00% | $500.00 |
40.00% | $400.00 |
30.00% | $300.00 |
25.00% | $250.00 |
0.00% | $0.00 |
The above figures do not take into account contingent coupon payments, if any, received during the term of the securities. As evidenced above, in no event will you have a positive rate of return based solely on the maturity payment amount received at maturity; any positive return will be based solely on the contingent coupon payments, if any, received during the term of the securities.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only and may have been rounded for ease of analysis. If the securities are not automatically called prior to stated maturity, the actual amount you will receive at stated maturity will depend on the actual ending price.
P-14
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Hypothetical Contingent Coupon Payments |
Set forth below are examples that illustrate how to determine whether a contingent coupon payment will be paid (and whether any previously unpaid contingent coupon payments will be paid) and whether the securities will be automatically called, if applicable, on a contingent coupon payment date prior to the stated maturity date. The examples do not reflect any specific contingent coupon payment date. The following examples show a series of three consecutive hypothetical calculation days and assume that the securities are subject to an automatic call on each such calculation day. The securities will not be subject to automatic call until the second calculation day, which is approximately six months after the issue date. The following examples reflect the contingent coupon rate of 14.00% per annum and assumes the hypothetical starting price, coupon threshold price and stock closing prices indicated in the examples. The terms used for purposes of these hypothetical examples do not represent the actual starting price or coupon threshold price. The hypothetical starting price of $100.00 has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual starting price. The actual starting price and coupon threshold price were determined on the pricing date and are set forth under “Terms of the Securities” above. For historical data regarding the actual stock closing price of the Underlying Stock, see the historical information provided herein. These examples are for purposes of illustration only and the values used in the examples may have been rounded for ease of analysis.
Example 1. The stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on hypothetical calculation day #1 is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price and less than the starting price. As a result, investors receive a contingent coupon payment on the applicable contingent coupon payment date and the securities are not automatically called.
Hypothetical starting price: | $100.00 | |
Hypothetical stock closing price on hypothetical calculation day # 1: | $90.00 | |
Hypothetical coupon threshold price: | $60.00 |
Since the hypothetical stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on hypothetical calculation day # 1 is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price, but less than the starting price, you would receive a contingent coupon payment on the applicable contingent coupon payment date and the securities would not be automatically called. The contingent coupon payment on the applicable contingent coupon payment date would be equal to $35.00 per security, determined as follows: (i) $1,000 multiplied by 14.00% per annum divided by (ii) 4, rounded to the nearest cent.
Example 2. The stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on hypothetical calculation day #2 is less than the coupon threshold price. As a result, investors do not receive a contingent coupon payment on the applicable contingent coupon payment date and the securities are not automatically called.
Hypothetical starting price: | $100.00 | |
Hypothetical stock closing price on hypothetical calculation day # 2: | $59.00 | |
Hypothetical coupon threshold price: | $60.00 |
Since the hypothetical stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on hypothetical calculation day # 2 is less than the coupon threshold price, you would not receive a contingent coupon payment on the applicable contingent coupon payment date.
Example 3. The stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on hypothetical calculation day # 3 is greater than or equal to the starting price. As a result, the securities are automatically called on the applicable contingent coupon payment date for the face amount plus a final contingent coupon payment and the previously unpaid contingent coupon payment.
Hypothetical starting price: | $100.00 | |
Hypothetical stock closing price on hypothetical calculation day # 3: | $115.00 | |
Hypothetical coupon threshold price: | $60.00 |
Since the hypothetical stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on hypothetical calculation day # 3 is greater than or equal to the starting price, the securities would be automatically called and you would receive the face amount plus a final contingent coupon payment and the previously unpaid contingent coupon payment on the applicable contingent coupon payment date, which is also referred to as the call settlement date. Because no contingent coupon payment was received in connection with hypothetical calculation day #2, investors in the securities would also receive the previously unpaid contingent coupon payment on the call settlement date, for a total of $1,070.00 per security.
You will not receive any further payments after the call settlement date.
P-15
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Hypothetical Payment at Stated Maturity |
Set forth below are examples of calculations of the maturity payment amount payable at stated maturity, assuming that the securities have not been automatically called prior to stated maturity and assuming the hypothetical starting price, coupon threshold price, downside threshold price and ending prices indicated in the examples. The terms used for purposes of these hypothetical examples do not represent the actual starting price, coupon threshold price or downside threshold price. The hypothetical starting price of $100.00 has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual starting price. The actual starting price, coupon threshold price and downside threshold price were determined on the pricing date and are set forth under “Terms of the Securities” above. For historical data regarding the actual stock closing price of the Underlying Stock, see the historical information provided herein. These examples are for purposes of illustration only and the values used in the examples may have been rounded for ease of analysis.
Example 1. The ending price is greater than or equal to the starting price, the maturity payment amount is equal to the face amount of your securities at maturity and you receive a final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payment(s):
Hypothetical starting price: | $100.00 | |
Hypothetical ending price: | $145.00 | |
Hypothetical coupon threshold price: | $60.00 | |
Hypothetical downside threshold price: | $60.00 |
Since the hypothetical ending price is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price, the maturity payment amount would equal the face amount. Although the hypothetical ending price is significantly greater than the hypothetical starting price in this scenario, the maturity payment amount will not exceed the face amount.
In addition to any contingent coupon payments received during the term of the securities, on the stated maturity date you would receive $1,000 per security. In addition, because the hypothetical ending price is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price, you would receive a final contingent coupon payment on the stated maturity date and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payment(s).
Example 2. The ending price is less than the starting price but greater than or equal to the downside threshold price and the coupon threshold price, the maturity payment amount is equal to the face amount of your securities at maturity and you receive a final contingent coupon payment and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payment(s):
Hypothetical starting price: | $100.00 | |
Hypothetical ending price: | $80.00 | |
Hypothetical coupon threshold price: | $60.00 | |
Hypothetical downside threshold price: | $60.00 |
Since the hypothetical ending price is less than the starting price, but not by more than 40%, you would receive the face amount of your securities at maturity.
In addition to any contingent coupon payments received during the term of the securities, on the stated maturity date you would receive $1,000 per security. In addition, because the hypothetical ending price is greater than or equal to the coupon threshold price, you would receive a final contingent coupon payment on the stated maturity date and any previously unpaid contingent coupon payment(s).
Example 3. The ending price is less than the downside threshold price, the maturity payment amount is less than the face amount of your securities at maturity and you do not receive a final contingent coupon payment or any previously unpaid contingent coupon payment(s):
Hypothetical starting price: | $100.00 | |
Hypothetical ending price: | $45.00 | |
Hypothetical coupon threshold price: | $60.00 | |
Hypothetical downside threshold price: | $60.00 | |
Performance factor (ending price divided by starting price): | 45.00% |
Since the hypothetical ending price is less than the starting price by more than 40%, you would lose a portion of the face amount of your securities and receive the maturity payment amount equal to $450.00 per security, calculated as follows:
= $1,000 × performance factor
= $1,000 × 45.00%
= $450.00
P-16
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
In addition to any contingent coupon payments received during the term of the securities, on the stated maturity date you would receive $450.00 per security. Because the hypothetical ending price is less than the coupon threshold price, you would not receive a final contingent coupon payment on the stated maturity date or any previously unpaid contingent coupon payment(s).
These examples illustrate that you will not participate in any appreciation of the Underlying Stock, but will be fully exposed to a decrease in the Underlying Stock if the ending price is less than the downside threshold price.
To the extent that the starting price, coupon threshold price, downside threshold price and ending price differ from the values assumed above, the results indicated above would be different.
P-17
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
The Underlying Stock |
According to publicly available information, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (“AMD”) is a semiconductor company that produces computer processors and related technologies. Information filed by AMD with the SEC can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-07882, or its CIK Code: 0000002488. AMD’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “AMD”.
Historical Information
We obtained the stock closing prices of the Underlying Stock in the graph below from Bloomberg Professional® service (“Bloomberg”), without independent verification.
The following graph sets forth daily stock closing prices of the Underlying Stock for the period from January 1, 2019 to May 16, 2024. The stock closing price on May 16, 2024 was $162.62. The historical performance of the Underlying Stock should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the Underlying Stock during the term of the securities.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg and have not undertaken an independent review or due diligence. The historical performance of the Underlying Stock should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the stock closing price of the Underlying Stock on any calculation day or its ending price. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Underlying Stock will result in any positive return on your investment.
P-18
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Canadian Income Tax Consequences |
An investor should read carefully the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under “Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus relevant to a holder (as defined on page 20 of the accompanying prospectus) owning debt securities, and the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under “Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Tax Consequences” in the accompanying product supplement.
In addition to the assumptions, limitations and conditions described therein, such discussion assumes that a Non-Resident Holder is not an entity in respect of which the Bank is a “specified entity” as defined in proposals to amend the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Act”) released by the Minister of Finance (Canada) on November 28, 2023 with respect to “hybrid mismatch arrangements”, as defined (the “Hybrid Mismatch Proposals”). In general terms, the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals provide that two entities will be treated as specified entities in respect of one another if one entity, directly or indirectly, holds a 25% equity interest in the other entity, or a third entity, directly or indirectly, holds a 25% equity interest in both entities.
Such discussion further assumes that no amount paid or payable to a Non-Resident Holder will be the deduction component of a “hybrid mismatch arrangement” under which the payment arises within the meaning of proposed paragraph 18.4(3)(b) of the Act contained in the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals.
Investors should note that the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals are in consultation form, are highly complex, and there remains significant uncertainty as to their interpretation and application. There can be no assurance that the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals will be enacted in their current form, or at all.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences |
You should carefully review the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying product supplement. The following discussion, when read in combination with that section, constitutes the full opinion of our special U.S. tax counsel, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP, regarding the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the securities.
Due to the absence of statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as the securities, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. Pursuant to the terms of the securities, the Bank and you agree, in the absence of a statutory or regulatory change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize the securities as prepaid derivative contracts with respect to the Underlying Stock. You further agree to include any contingent coupon payment that is paid by the Bank (including on the maturity date or call settlement date) in your income as ordinary income in accordance with your regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including possible alternative tax treatments of the securities and potential changes in applicable law.
Non-U.S. Holders. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of the contingent coupon payments is unclear. Subject to Section 871(m) of the Code and FATCA, as discussed below, we currently do not intend to treat contingent coupon payments paid to a non-U.S. holder that provides us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) with a fully completed and validly executed applicable IRS Form W-8 as subject to U.S. withholding tax and we currently do not intend to withhold any tax on contingent coupon payments. However, it is possible that the IRS could assert that such payments are subject to U.S. withholding tax, or that another withholding agent may otherwise determine that withholding is required, in which case such other withholding agent may withhold up to 30% on such payments (subject to reduction or elimination of such withholding tax pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty). We will not pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. Subject to Section 897 of the Code and Section 871(m) of the Code, discussed below, gain realized from the taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of a security generally should not be subject to U.S. tax unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S., (ii) the 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 such taxable disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied or (iii) the non-U.S. holder has certain other present or former connections with the U.S.
Section 897. We will not attempt to ascertain whether the Underlying Stock would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the securities should be treated as “United States real property interests” (“USRPI”) as defined in Section 897 of the Code. If the Underlying Stock were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply, including subjecting any gain to a non-U.S. holder in respect of a security upon a taxable disposition of the security to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis, and the proceeds from such a taxable disposition to a 15% withholding tax. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential treatment of any such entity as a USRPHC and the securities as USRPI.
Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax (which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing U.S. equity securities. The withholding tax can apply even if the instrument does not provide for payments that reference dividends. Treasury regulations, as modified by Notice 2020-2, provide that the withholding tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one (“delta-one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016 and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed
P-19
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
paid on all other specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2017. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the Treasury and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the Treasury regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid will not apply to specified equity-linked instruments that are not delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and are issued before January 1, 2025.
Based on our determination that the securities are not “delta-one” with respect to the Underlying Stock, our special U.S. tax counsel is of the opinion that the securities should not be delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and thus should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Furthermore, the application of Section 871(m) of the Code will depend on our determinations on the date the terms of the securities are set. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.
Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the securities, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the securities.
P-20
Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the common stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. due May 20, 2027 |
Validity of the Securities |
In the opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, as special counsel to the Bank, when the securities offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and issued by the Bank and authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the indenture and delivered, paid for and sold as contemplated herein, the securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Bank, enforceable against the Bank in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, receivership or other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity). This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York. Insofar as this opinion involves matters governed by Canadian law, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has assumed, without independent inquiry or investigation, the validity of the matters opined on by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Canadian legal counsel for the Bank, in its opinion expressed below. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture and, with respect to the securities, authentication of the securities and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP dated February 28, 2022 filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 6-K on March 1, 2022.
In the opinion of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, the issue and sale of the securities has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Bank in conformity with the Indenture, and when the securities have been duly executed, authenticated and issued in accordance with the Indenture, and delivered against payment therefor, the securities will be validly issued and, to the extent validity of the securities is a matter governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario or the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, will be valid obligations of the Bank, subject to the following limitations (i) the enforceability of the Indenture may be limited by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (Canada), the Winding-up and Restructuring Act (Canada) and bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, preference, moratorium, arrangement or winding-up laws or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; (ii) the enforceability of the Indenture may be limited by equitable principles, including the principle that equitable remedies such as specific performance and injunction may only be granted in the discretion of a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) pursuant to the Currency Act (Canada) a judgment by a Canadian court must be awarded in Canadian currency and that such judgment may be based on a rate of exchange in existence on a day other than the day of payment; and (iv) the enforceability of the Indenture will be subject to the limitations contained in the Limitations Act, 2002 (Ontario), and such counsel expresses no opinion as to whether a court may find any provision of the Indenture to be unenforceable as an attempt to vary or exclude a limitation period under that Act. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the Trustees’ authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated December 27, 2021, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.2 to the Bank’s Form F-3/A filed with the SEC on December 27, 2021.
P-21