Subject to Completion Preliminary Term Sheet Dated July 26, 2024 | Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration Statement No. 333-261476 (To Prospectus dated December 29, 2021, Prospectus Supplement dated December 29, 2021 and Product Supplement EQUITY STR-1 dated March 27, 2023) |
Units $10 principal amount per unit CUSIP No.  | Pricing Date* Settlement Date* Maturity Date* | August , 2024 August , 2024 August , 2025 | |||
| *Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”) | |||||
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs ◾ Automatically callable if the Observation Level on any Observation Date, occurring approximately six, nine and twelve months after the pricing date, is at or above the Starting Value ◾ In the event of an automatic call, the amount payable per unit will be: ◾ [$10.450 to $10.500] if called on the first Observation Date ◾ [$10.675 to $10.750] if called on the second Observation Date ◾ [$10.900 to $11.000] if called on the final Observation Date ◾ The Basket will be comprised of the Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund, the Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund, each of which will be given an equal weight. ◾ If not called on either of the first two Observation Dates, a maturity of approximately one year ◾ If not called, 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Basket with up to 100.00% of your principal amount at risk ◾ All payments are subject to the credit risk of The Bank of Nova Scotia ◾ No periodic interest payments ◾ In addition to the underwriting discount set forth below, the notes include a hedging-related charge of $0.05 per unit. See “Structuring the Notes” ◾ Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing ◾ The notes are unsecured debt securities and are not savings accounts or insured deposits of a bank. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “CDIC”), the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), or any other governmental agency of Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction | |||||
The notes are being issued by The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet, “Additional Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-8 of this term sheet and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.34 and $9.64 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-18 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
None of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these notes or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Per Unit | Total | |
Public offering price(1) | $ 10.000 | $ |
Underwriting discount(1) | $ 0.125 | $ |
| Proceeds, before expenses, to BNS | $ 9.875 | $ |
| (1) | For any purchase of 300,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investor’s household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.975 per unit and $0.100 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below. |
The notes:
| Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value |
BofA Securities
August , 2024
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Summary
The Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the CDIC or the FDIC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. The notes are not bail-inable debt securities (as defined in the prospectus). The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BNS. The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the Observation Level of the Market Measure, which is the basket of three ETFs described below (the “Basket”), on any Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are not called, at maturity, if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes. Payments on the notes will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Basket, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Call Premiums and Call Amounts) are based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The Basket will be comprised of the Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund, the Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund (each a “Basket Component”), each of which will be given an equal weight.
On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This range of estimated values was determined by reference to our internal pricing models, which take into consideration certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date and our assumptions about market parameters. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-18.
Terms of the Notes
| Issuer: | The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”) | ||
Principal Amount: | $10.00 per unit | ||
| Term: | Approximately one year, if not called on either of the first two Observation Dates | ||
| Market Measure: | An equally weighted basket comprised of three ETFs which are the Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund (Bloomberg symbol: “XLE”, the “XLE”), the Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund (Bloomberg symbol: “XLF”, the “XLF”) and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund (Bloomberg symbol: “XLI”, the “XLI”) | ||
| Starting Value: | The Starting Value will be set to 100.00 on the pricing date. | ||
Observation Level: | The value of the Market Measure on the applicable Observation Date | ||
| Ending Value: | The Observation Level of the Market Measure on the final Observation Date | ||
Observation Dates: | On or about February , 2025, May , 2025 and August , 2025, (the final Observation Date), approximately six, nine and twelve months after the pricing date. The Observation Dates are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-26 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1. | ||
| Call Level: | 100.00% of the Starting Value | ||
Call Amounts (per Unit) and Call Premiums: | [$10.450 to $10.500], representing a Call Premium of [4.50% to 5.00%] of the principal amount, if called on the first Observation Date; [$10.675 to $10.750], representing a Call Premium of [6.75% to 7.50%] of the principal amount, if called on the second Observation Date; and [$10.900 to $11.000], representing a Call Premium of [9.00% to 10.00%] of the principal amount, if called on the final Observation Date. The actual Call Amounts and Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date. | ||
Call Settlement Dates: | Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement as described on page PS-24 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1; provided however that the Call Settlement Date related to the final Observation Date will be the maturity date. | ||
| Price Multiplier: | 1 for each Basket Component, subject to adjustment for certain corporate events relating to that Basket Component, as described on page PS-29 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1. | ||
| Threshold Value: | 100.00% of the Starting Value |
Payment Determination
Automatic Call Provision:
Redemption Amount Determination:
If the notes are not called, you will receive the Redemption Amount per unit on the maturity date, determined as follows:
Because the Threshold Value for the notes is equal to the Starting Value, you will lose all or a portion of your investment if the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value.
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Fees and Charges: | The underwriting discount of $0.125 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.05 per unit described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-18 | ||
Calculation Agent: | BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) |
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
| ◾ | Product supplement EQUITY STR-1 dated March 27, 2023: |
| ◾ | Prospectus supplement dated December 29, 2021: |
| ◾ | Prospectus dated December 29, 2021: |
These documents (together, the “Note Prospectus”) have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) or BofAS by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY STR-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BNS.
Investor Considerations
You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:
| ◾ | You anticipate that the Observation Level of the Market Measure on any of the Observation Dates will be equal to or greater than the Call Level and, if the notes are automatically called prior to the final Observation Date, you accept an early exit from your investment. |
| ◾ | You accept that the return on the notes will be limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium even if the percentage change in the value of the Market Measure is greater than the applicable Call Premium. |
| ◾ | You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the notes are not automatically called and the Basket decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. |
| ◾ | You are willing to forgo interest payments that are paid on conventional interest-bearing debt securities. |
| ◾ | You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components. |
| ◾ | You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes. |
| ◾ | You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Call Amount or the Redemption Amount. |
The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:
| ◾ | You wish to make an investment that cannot be automatically called. |
| ◾ | You believe that the value of the Basket will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. |
| ◾ | You anticipate that the Observation Level will be less than the Call Level on each Observation Date. |
| ◾ | You seek an uncapped return on your investment. |
| ◾ | You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital. |
| ◾ | You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment. |
| ◾ | You want to receive dividends or other benefits of owning the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components. |
| ◾ | You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market. |
| ◾ | You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes. |
We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors concerning an investment in the notes. |
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Examples of Hypothetical Payments
The following examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes. They illustrate the calculation of the Call Amount or Redemption Amount, as applicable, based on the hypothetical terms set forth below. The actual amount you receive and the resulting return will depend on the actual Observation Levels, Call Premiums, and term of your investment.
The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes. These examples are based on:
| (1) | the Starting Value of 100.00; |
| (2) | the Threshold Value of 100.00; |
| (3) | the Call Level of 100.00; |
| (4) | an expected term of the notes of approximately one year, if the notes are not called on either of the first two Observation Dates; |
| (5) | a Call Premium of 4.75% of the principal amount if the notes are called on the first Observation Date, 7.125% if called on the second Observation Date and 9.50% if called on the final Observation Date (the midpoint of the applicable Call Premium ranges); and |
| (6) | Observation Dates occurring approximately six, nine and twelve months after the pricing date. |
For recent hypothetical values of the Basket, see “The Basket” section below. For recent actual prices of the Basket Components, see “The Basket Components” section below. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
Notes Are Called on an Observation Date
The notes will be called at $10.00 plus the applicable Call Premium if the Observation Level on one of the Observation Dates is equal to or greater than the Call Level.
Example 1 - The Observation Level on the first Observation Date is 150.00. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $0.4750 = $10.4750 per unit.
Example 2 - The Observation Level on the first Observation Date is below the Call Level, but the Observation Level on the second Observation Date is 105.00. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $0.7125 = $10.7125 per unit.
Example 3 - The Observation Levels on the first two Observation Dates are below the Call Level, but the Observation Level on the third and final Observation Date is 125.00. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $0.9500 = $10.9500 per unit.
Notes Are Not Called on Any Observation Date
Example 4 - The notes are not called on any Observation Date and the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value. The Redemption Amount will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount. For example, if the Ending Value is 85.00, the Redemption Amount per unit will be:
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Summary of the Hypothetical Examples
Notes Are Called on an Observation Date | Notes Are Not Called on Any Observation Date | |||
| Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | Example 4 | |
Starting Value | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
Call Level | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
Threshold Value | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
Observation Level on the First Observation Date | 150.00 | 90.00 | 90.00 | 88.00 |
Observation Level on the Second Observation Date | N/A | 105.00 | 90.00 | 78.00 |
Observation Level on the Final Observation Date | N/A | N/A | 125.00 | 85.00 |
Return on the Basket | 50.00% | 5.00% | 25.00% | -15.00% |
Return on the Notes | 4.75% | 7.125% | 9.50% | -15.00% |
Call Amount / Redemption Amount per Unit | $10.4750 | $10.7125 | $10.9500 | $8.5000 |
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Risk Factors
There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1, page S-2 of the prospectus supplement, and page 7 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors concerning an investment in the notes.
Structure-Related Risks
| ◾ | If the notes are not automatically called, your investment will result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal. |
| ◾ | Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity. |
| ◾ | Your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components. |
Market Measure-Related Risks
| ◾ | Changes in the price of one of the Basket Components may be offset by changes in the price of the other Basket Component. |
| ◾ | The sponsor of the underlying index of a Basket Component (each, an “Underlying Index”) and the trustee of a Basket Component may adjust the relevant Basket Component in a way that may adversely affect its price and your interests and these entities have no obligation to consider your interests. |
| ◾ | You will have no rights of a holder of the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components, and you will not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions by the Basket Components, any shares of the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components. |
| ◾ | While we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our or their respective affiliates may from time to time own shares of the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or our or their respective affiliates control any Basket Component and have not verified any disclosure made with respect to any Basket Component. |
| ◾ | There are liquidity and management risks associated with the Basket Components. |
| ◾ | The performance of a Basket Component may not correlate with the performance of its Underlying Index as well as the net asset value per share of such Basket Component, especially during periods of market volatility when the liquidity and the market price of such Basket Component and/or the securities held by such Basket Component may be adversely affected, sometimes materially. |
| ◾ | Payments on the notes will not be adjusted for all corporate events that could affect the Basket Components. See “Description of The Notes— Anti-Dilution and Discontinuance Adjustments Relating to Underlying Funds” beginning on page PS-29 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1. |
Valuation- and Market-Related Risks
| ◾ | Our initial estimated value of the notes will be lower than the public offering price of the notes. Our initial estimated value of the notes is only an estimate. The public offering price of the notes will exceed our initial estimated value because it includes costs associated with selling and structuring the notes, as well as hedging our obligations under the notes, with a third party, which may include BofAS or one of its affiliates. These costs include the underwriting discount and an expected hedging related charge, as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-18. |
| ◾ | Our initial estimated value of the notes does not represent future values of the notes and may differ from others’ estimates. Our initial estimated value of the notes is determined by reference to our internal pricing models when the terms of the notes are set. These pricing models consider certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date, the expected term of the notes, market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, and our assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are different from our initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any of our assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the market value of the notes could change significantly based on, among other things, the performance of the Basket, changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways. Our initial estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any agents would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. |
| ◾ | Our initial estimated value is not determined by reference to credit spreads or the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. The internal funding rate used in the determination of our initial estimated value of the notes generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities and the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. If we were to use the interest rate implied by the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, or the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate for the notes would have an adverse effect on the economic terms of the notes, the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date, and the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market. |
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
| ◾ | A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. None of us, MLPF&S or BofAS is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market. |
Conflict-Related Risks
| ◾ | Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S, BofAS and our and their respective affiliates (including trades in the Basket Components or the securities held by the Basket Components), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our or their respective affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value of, and return on, the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you. |
| ◾ | There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is BofAS. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent. |
General Credit-Related Risks
| ◾ | Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment. |
Tax-Related Risks
| ◾ | The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” below. |
| ◾ | The conclusion that no portion of the interest paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note will be “Participating Debt Interest” subject to Canadian withholding tax is based in part on the current published administrative position of the CRA. There cannot be any assurance that CRA’s current published administrative practice will not be subject to change, including potential expansion in the current administrative interpretation of Participating Debt Interest subject to Canadian withholding tax. If, at any time, the interest paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note is subject to Canadian withholding tax, you will receive an amount that is less than the Redemption Amount. You should consult your own adviser as to the potential for such withholding and the potential for reduction or refund of part or all of such withholding, including under any bilateral Canadian tax treaty the benefits of which you may be entitled. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes, see “Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” below, “Canadian Taxation—Debt Securities” on page 66 of the prospectus and “Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page PS-39 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1. |
Additional Risk Factors
Additional Market Measure-Related Risks
All of the securities held by each respective Basket Component are concentrated in one sector.
All of the securities held by each Basket Component are issued by companies in the sector represented by such Basket Component. As a result, the securities that will determine the performance of the notes are concentrated in one sector. Although an investment in the notes will not give holders any ownership or other direct interests in the securities held by any Basket Component, the return on an investment in the notes will be subject to certain risks associated with a direct equity investment in companies in these sectors. Accordingly, by investing in the notes, you will not benefit from the diversification which could result from an investment linked to securities of a more broadly diversified group of issuers.
The performance of companies in the sectors represented by each Basket Component will be affected by various factors that interact in complex and unpredictable ways, including macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical events, interest rates, industry competition, governmental actions and supply and demand for the products and services offered by such companies. Adverse developments in the sector represented by any Basket Component may have a significant adverse effect on the value of such Basket Component and the value of the notes.
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Other Terms of the Notes
Business Day
A “business day” means a day which is a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City.
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
The Basket
The Basket is designed to allow investors to participate in the percentage changes in the prices of the Basket Components from the Starting Value to the Ending Value of the Basket. The Basket Components are described in the section “The Basket Components” below. Each Basket Component will be assigned an initial weight on the pricing date, as set forth in the table below.
For more information on the calculation of the value of the Basket, please see the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Basket Market Measures” beginning on page PS-34 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1.
If July 22, 2024, were the pricing date, for each Basket Component, the Initial Component Weight, the Closing Market Price, the hypothetical Component Ratio and the initial contribution to the Basket value would be as follows:
| Basket Component | Bloomberg Symbol | Initial Component Weight | Closing Market Price(1)(2) | Hypothetical Component Ratio(1)(3) | Initial Basket Value Contribution |
The Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund | XLE | 33.34% | $91.79 | 0.36322039 | 33.34 |
The Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund | XLF | 33.33% | $43.09 | 0.77349733 | 33.33 |
The Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund | XLI | 33.33% | $126.14 | 0.26423022 | 33.33 |
| Starting Value | 100.00 |
| (1) | The actual Closing Market Price of each Basket Component and the resulting actual Component Ratios will be determined on the pricing date, subject to adjustment as more fully described in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Basket Market Measures—Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Component” beginning on page PS-34 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1 if a Market Disruption Event occurs on the pricing date as to any Basket Component or the pricing date is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day for any Basket Component by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration or otherwise. |
| (2) | These were the Closing Market Prices of the Basket Components on July 22, 2024. |
| (3) | Each hypothetical Component Ratio equals the Initial Component Weight of the relevant Basket Component (as a percentage) multiplied by 100.00, and then divided by the Closing Market Price of that Basket Component on July 22, 2024 and rounded to eight decimal places. |
The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket on each Observation Date by summing the products of (a) the Closing Market Price for each Basket Component on such day (multiplied by its Price Multiplier on such day) and (b) the Component Ratio applicable to such Basket Component. The Price Multiplier for each Basket Component will initially be 1, and is subject to adjustment as described in product supplement EQUITY STR-1. If (i) a Market Disruption Event occurs as to any Basket Component on a scheduled Observation Date or (ii) the scheduled Observation Date is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day for any Basket Component by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration or otherwise, the Closing Market Price of that Basket Component will be determined as more fully described in the section entitled “Description of the Notes— Basket Market Measures—Observation Level and Ending Value of the Basket” beginning on page PS-35 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1.
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
While actual historical information on the Basket will not exist before the pricing date, the following graph sets forth the hypothetical historical performance of the Basket from January 1, 2014 through July 22, 2024. The graph is based upon actual daily historical prices of the Basket Components, hypothetical Component Ratios based on the Closing Market Prices of the Basket Components as of December 31, 2013, and a Basket value of 100.00 as of that date. This hypothetical historical data on the Basket is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Basket or what the value of the notes may be. Any hypothetical historical upward or downward trend in the value of the Basket during any period set forth below is not an indication that the value of the Basket is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Hypothetical Historical Performance of the Basket
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
The Basket Components
All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding the Basket Components, 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 each of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA”) with respect to each of the XLE, the XLF and the XLI. SSGA has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue or suspend the publication of the applicable Basket Component at any time. The consequences of any discontinuance of a Basket Component are discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Notes— Anti-Dilution and Discontinuance Adjustments Relating to Underlying Funds" beginning on page PS-29 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1. None of us, the calculation agent, MLPF&S or BofAS accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Basket Component or any successor Basket Component.
The Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund
The shares of the XLE are issued by Select Sector SPDR® Trust, a registered investment company. The XLE seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Energy Select Sector Index, its Underlying Index. The Energy Select Sector Index measures the performance of the energy sector of the U.S. equity market. The XLE is composed of equity securities of companies in the oil, gas and consumable fuel, energy equipment and services industries. The XLE trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “XLE.”
Investment Objective and Strategy
The XLE seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Energy Select Sector Index. SSGA uses a replication strategy to try to achieve the XLE’s investment objective, which means that the XLE generally invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Energy Select Sector Index in approximately the same proportions as the Energy Select Sector Index. Under normal market conditions, the XLE generally invests at least 95% of its total assets in the securities comprising the Energy Select Sector Index. In certain situations or market conditions, the XLE may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies provided that the alternative is consistent with the XLE’s investment objective and is in the best interest of the XLE. For example, if the XLE is unable to invest directly in a component security or if a derivative investment may provide higher liquidity than other types of investments, it may make larger than normal investments in derivatives to maintain exposure to the Energy Select Sector Index that it tracks. Consequently, under such circumstances, the XLE may invest in a different mix of investments than it would under normal circumstances.
Notwithstanding the XLE’s investment objective, the return on your notes will not reflect any dividends paid on shares of the XLE, on the securities purchased by the XLE or on the securities that comprise the Energy Select Sector Index.
The Underlying Index of the XLE is part of the Select Sector Indices. See “The Select Sector Indices” below.
The Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund
The XLF utilizes a “passive” or “indexing” investment approach in attempting to track the performance of the Financial Select Sector Index, its Underlying Index. The XLF will invest in substantially all of the securities which comprise its Underlying Index. The XLF will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Underlying Index, as described below.
Investment Objective and Strategy
The XLF seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of its Underlying Index. The investment manager of the XLF uses a replication strategy to try to achieve the XLF’s investment objective, which means that the XLF generally invests in substantially all of the securities represented in its Underlying Index in approximately the same proportions as its Underlying Index. Under normal market conditions, the XLF generally invests at least 95% of its total assets in the securities comprising its Underlying Index. In certain situations or market conditions, the XLF may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies provided that the alternative is consistent with the XLF’s investment objective and is in the best interest of the XLF. For example, if the XLF is unable to invest directly in a component security or if a derivative investment may provide higher liquidity than other types of investments, it may make larger than normal investments in derivatives to maintain exposure to its Underlying Index. Consequently, under such circumstances, the XLF may invest in a different mix of investments than it would under normal circumstances.
The Underlying Index of the XLF is part of the Select Sector Indices. See “The Select Sector Indices” below.
The Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund
The shares of the XLI are issued by Select Sector SPDR® Trust, a registered investment company. The XLI seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Industrial Select Sector Index, its Underlying Index. The Industrial Select Sector Index measures the performance of the industrial sector of the U.S. equity market. The XLI is composed of equity securities of companies in aerospace and defense, industrial conglomerates, marine, transportation infrastructure and machinery industries. The XLI trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “XLI.”
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Investment Objective and Strategy
The XLI seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Industrial Select Sector Index. The investment manager of the XLI uses a replication strategy to try to achieve the XLI’s investment objective, which means that the XLI generally invests in substantially all of the securities represented in the Industrial Select Sector Index in approximately the same proportions as the Industrial Select Sector Index. Under normal market conditions, the XLI generally invests at least 95% of its total assets in the securities comprising the Industrial Select Sector Index. In certain situations or market conditions, the XLI may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies provided that the alternative is consistent with the XLI’s investment objective and is in the best interest of the XLI. For example, if the XLI is unable to invest directly in a component security or if a derivative investment may provide higher liquidity than other types of investments, it may make larger than normal investments in derivatives to maintain exposure to the Industrial Select Sector Index that it tracks. Consequently, under such circumstances, the XLI may invest in a different mix of investments than it would under normal circumstances. The XLI will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in its investment policies. The XLI is managed with a passive investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. This differs from an actively managed underlying, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index.
The Underlying Index of the XLI is part of the Select Sector Indices. See “The Select Sector Indices” below.
The Select Sector Indices
The Energy Select Sector Index is part of the Select Sector Indices. The Select Sector Indices are sub-indices of the S&P 500® Index (“SPX”). Each stock in the SPX is allocated to at least one Select Sector Index, and the combined companies of the eleven Select Sector Indices represent all of the companies in the SPX. The industry indices are sub-categories within each Select Sector Index and represent a specific industry segment of the overall Select Sector Index. The eleven Select Sector Indices seek to represent the eleven SPX sectors. The index compilation agent for these indices (the “Index Compilation Agent”) determines the composition of the Select Sector Indices based on S&P’s sector classification methodology. (Sector designations are determined by the index sponsor using criteria it has selected or developed. Index sponsors may use very different standards for determining sector designations. In addition, many companies operate in a number of sectors, but are listed in only one sector and the basis on which that sector is selected may also differ. As a result, sector comparisons between indices with different index sponsors may reflect differences in methodology as well as actual differences in the sector composition of the indices.)
Each Select Sector Index was developed and is maintained in accordance with the following criteria:
| • | Each of the component stocks in a Select Sector Index (the “Component Stocks”) is a constituent company of the SPX. |
| • | The eleven Select Sector Indices together will include all of the companies represented in the SPX and each of the stocks in the SPX will be allocated to at least one of the Select Sector Indices. |
| • | The Index Compilation Agent assigns each constituent stock of the SPX to a Select Sector Index. The Index Compilation Agent assigns a company’s stock to a particular Select Sector Index based on S&P Dow Jones Indices’s sector classification methodology as set forth in its Global Industry Classification Standard. |
| • | Each Select Sector Index is calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices using a modified “market capitalization” methodology. This design ensures that each of the component stocks within a Select Sector Index is represented in a proportion consistent with its percentage with respect to the total market capitalization of that Select Sector Index. |
| • | For reweighting purposes, each Select Sector Index is rebalanced quarterly after the close of business on the second to last calculation day of March, June, September and December using the following procedures: (1) The rebalancing reference date is two business days prior to the last calculation day of each quarter; and (2) With prices reflected on the rebalancing reference date, and membership, shares outstanding, additional weight factor (capping factor) and investable weight factors (as described in the section “Computation of the S&P 500 Index®” below) as of the rebalancing effective date, each company is weighted using the modified market capitalization methodology. Modifications are made as defined below. |
| i. | The indices are first evaluated to ensure none of the indices breach the maximum allowable limits defined in rules (ii) and (v) below. If any of the allowable limits are breached, the component stocks are reweighted based on their float-adjusted market capitalization weights. |
| ii. | If any component stock has a weight greater than 24%, that component stock has its float-adjusted market capitalization weight capped at 23%. The 23% weight cap creates a 2% buffer to ensure that no component stock exceeds 25% as of the quarter-end diversification requirement date. |
| iii. | All excess weight is equally redistributed to all uncapped component stocks within the relevant Select Sector Index. |
| iv. | After this redistribution, if the float-adjusted market capitalization weight of any other component stock(s) then breaches 23%, the process is repeated iteratively until no component stock breaches the 23% weight cap. |
| v. | The sum of the component stocks with weight greater than 4.8% cannot exceed 50% of the total index weight. These caps are set to allow for a buffer below the 5% limit. |
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| vi. | If the rule in step (v) is breached, all the component stocks are ranked in descending order of their float-adjusted market capitalization weights and the first component stock that causes the 50% limit to be breached has its weight reduced to 4.6%. |
| vii. | This excess weight is equally redistributed to all component stocks with weights below 4.6%. This process is repeated iteratively until step (v) is satisfied. |
| viii. | Index share amounts are assigned to each component stock to arrive at the weights calculated above. Since index shares are assigned based on prices one business day prior to rebalancing, the actual weight of each component stock at the rebalancing differs somewhat from these weights due to market movements. |
| ix. | If necessary, the reweighting process may take place more than once prior to the close on the last business day of March, June, September or December to ensure conformity with all diversification requirements. |
Each Select Sector Index is calculated using the same methodology utilized by S&P Dow Jones Indices in calculating the SPX, using a base-weighted aggregate methodology. The daily calculation of each Select Sector Index is computed by dividing the total market value of the companies in the Select Sector Index by a number called the index divisor.
The Index Compilation Agent at any time may determine that a Component Stock which has been assigned to one Select Sector Index has undergone such a transformation in the composition of its business, and should be removed from that Select Sector Index and assigned to a different Select Sector Index. In the event that the Index Compilation Agent notifies S&P Dow Jones Indices that a Component Stock’s Select Sector Index assignment should be changed, S&P Dow Jones Indices will disseminate notice of the change following its standard procedure for announcing index changes and will implement the change in the affected Select Sector Indices on a date no less than one week after the initial dissemination of information on the sector change to the maximum extent practicable. It is not anticipated that Component Stocks will change sectors frequently.
Component Stocks removed from and added to the SPX will be deleted from and added to the appropriate Select Sector Index on the same schedule used by S&P Dow Jones Indices for additions and deletions from the SPX insofar as practicable.
Historical Data of each Basket Component
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the XLE on its primary exchange in the period from January 1, 2014 through July 22, 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 July 22, 2024, the Closing Market Price of the XLE was $91.79. The graph below may have been adjusted to reflect certain corporate actions such as stock splits and reverse stock splits.
Historical Performance of the XLE
This historical data on the XLE is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the XLE or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the price per share of the XLE during any period set forth above is not an indication that the price of the XLE 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 prices and trading pattern of the XLE.
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The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the XLF on its primary exchange in the period from January 1, 2014 through July 22, 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 July 22, 2024, the Closing Market Price of the XLF was $43.09. The graph below may have been adjusted to reflect certain corporate actions such as stock splits and reverse stock splits.
Historical Performance of the XLF
This historical data on the XLF is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the XLF or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the price per share of the XLF during any period set forth above is not an indication that the price of the XLF 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 prices and trading pattern of the XLF.
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The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the XLI on its primary exchange in the period from January 1, 2014 through July 22, 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 July 22, 2024, the Closing Market Price of the XLI was $126.14. The graph below may have been adjusted to reflect certain corporate actions such as stock splits and reverse stock splits.
Historical Performance of the XLI
This historical data on the XLI is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the XLI or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the price per share of the XLI during any period set forth above is not an indication that the price of the XLI 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 prices and trading pattern of the XLI.
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Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with BofAS, BofAS will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount.
MLPF&S will purchase the notes from BofAS for resale, and will receive a selling concession in connection with the sale of the notes in an amount up to the full amount of the underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this term sheet.
We will pay a fee to LFT Securities, LLC for providing certain electronic platform services with respect to this offering, which will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you. An affiliate of BofAS has an ownership interest in LFT Securities, LLC.
We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than one business day 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 one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than one business day from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than one business day prior to the settlement date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to MLPF&S and/or one of its affiliates acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S and BofAS may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s and BofAS’s trading commissions and mark-ups or mark-downs. MLPF&S and BofAS may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, neither is obligated to engage in any such transactions. At their discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S and BofAS may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S or BofAS for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Basket and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.
The value of the notes shown on your account statement produced by MLPF&S will be based on BofAS’s estimate of the value of the notes if BofAS or another of its affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do. That estimate will be based upon the price that BofAS may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding BNS or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:
| • | the investor’s spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse’s parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor; |
| • | a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; and |
| • | a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account. |
Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees (“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).
Please contact your Merrill financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.
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Structuring the Notes
The notes are our unsecured senior debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Basket. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the market-linked note is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable maturity. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.
Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the performance of the Basket and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with BofAS or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S, BofAS and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Basket Components, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
BofAS has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.05 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to BofAS from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by BofAS or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-7 and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-22 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1.
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Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
An investor should read carefully the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under “Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus relevant to a holder (as defined on page 65 of the prospectus) owning debt securities, and the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under “Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” in product supplement EQUITY STR-1. In addition to the assumptions, limitations and conditions described therein, such discussion assumes that a Non-Resident Holder is not an entity in respect of which BNS is a “specified entity” as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Act”).
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 paragraph 18.4(3)(b) of the Act.
Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general description of certain U.S. federal tax considerations relating to the notes. Prospective purchasers of the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences under the tax laws of the country of which they are residents for tax purposes and the tax laws of the U.S. of acquiring, holding and disposing of the notes and receiving payments under the notes. This summary is based upon the law as in effect on the date of this document and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date. We urge you to read the more detailed discussion in the “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” section beginning on page PS-40 of product supplement EQUITY STR-1.
No statutory, regulatory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment in the notes (and of having agreed to the required tax treatment of your notes described below) and as to the application of state, local or other tax laws to your investment in your notes and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.
Pursuant to the terms of the notes, BNS and you agree, in the absence of a statutory or regulatory change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your notes as prepaid derivative contracts with respect to the Basket. If your notes are so treated, subject to the discussion below regarding Section 1260 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), you should generally recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you hold your notes for more than one year (and otherwise, short-term capital gain or loss) upon the taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of your notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount you paid for your notes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
However, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) could assert that your holding period in respect of your notes should end on the date on which the amount you are entitled to receive upon maturity or automatic call of your notes is determined, even though you will not receive any amounts from BNS in respect of your notes prior to the maturity or automatic call of your notes. In such case, you may be treated as having a holding period in respect of your notes prior to the maturity or automatic call of your notes, and such holding period may be treated as less than one year even if you receive cash upon the maturity or automatic call of your notes at a time that is more than one year after the beginning of your holding period.
Although uncertain, it is possible that the Call Premium, or proceeds received from the taxable disposition of your notes prior to the Call Settlement Date that could be attributed to the expected Call Premium, could be treated as ordinary income. You should consult your tax advisor regarding this risk.
Section 1260. Because each of the Basket Components would be treated as a “pass-thru entity” for purposes of Section 1260 of the Code, it is possible that the notes could be treated as a constructive ownership transaction under Section 1260 of the Code. If the notes were treated as a constructive ownership transaction, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply (i.e., all or a portion of any long-term capital gain that you recognize upon the taxable disposition of your Notes could be recharacterized as ordinary income and you could be subject to an interest charge on any deferred tax liability with respect to such recharacterized gain). We urge you to read the discussion concerning the possible treatment of the notes as a constructive ownership transaction under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences— Section 1260” in the accompanying product supplement.
Based on certain factual representations received from us, our special U.S. tax counsel, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, is of the opinion that it would be reasonable to treat your notes in the manner described above. However, because there is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of the notes, it is possible that your notes could alternatively be treated for tax purposes as a single contingent payment debt instrument or pursuant to some other characterization (including possible treatment as a “constructive ownership transaction” under Section 1260 of the Code), such that the timing and character of your income from the notes could differ materially and adversely from the treatment described above.
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Notice 2008-2. In 2007, the IRS released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the notes. According to Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) are actively considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the notes will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The IRS and the Treasury are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether non-U.S. holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Code should be applied to such instruments. Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the significance, and the potential impact, of the above considerations.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or certain trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust, which may include any income or gain realized with respect to the notes, to the extent of their net investment income or undistributed net investment income (as the case may be) that, when added to their other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return or the dollar amount at which the highest tax bracket begins for an estate or trust. The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the regular income tax. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the 3.8% Medicare tax.
Specified Foreign Financial Assets. U.S. holders may be subject to reporting obligations with respect to their notes if they do not hold their notes in an account maintained by a financial institution and the aggregate value of their notes and certain other “specified foreign financial assets” (applying certain attribution rules) exceeds an applicable threshold. Significant penalties can apply if a U.S. holder is required to disclose its notes and fails to do so.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. The proceeds received from a taxable disposition of the notes will be subject to information reporting unless you are an “exempt recipient” and may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code if you fail to provide certain identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer number, if you are a U.S. holder) or meet certain other conditions.
Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holders. If you are a non-U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) of the Code and FATCA, discussed below, you should generally not be subject to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your notes if you comply with certain certification and identification requirements as to your non-U.S. status including providing us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) a properly executed and fully completed applicable IRS Form W-8. Subject to Section 897 of the Code and Section 871(m) of the Code, discussed below, gain realized from the taxable disposition of a note generally will not be subject to U.S. tax unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by you in the U.S., (ii) you are a non-resident alien individual and are present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of such taxable disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied or (iii) you have certain other present or former connections with the U.S.
Section 897. We will not attempt to ascertain whether any Basket Component would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the notes should be treated as “United States real property interests” (“USRPI”) as defined in Section 897 of the Code. If any such entity and/or the notes were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply, including subjecting any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder in respect of the notes upon a taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of the notes to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis, and the proceeds from such a taxable disposition to a withholding tax. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential treatment of any such entity as a USRPHC and/or the notes as USRPI.
Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax (which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing U.S. equity securities. The withholding tax can apply even if the instrument does not provide for payments that reference dividends. Treasury regulations provide that the withholding tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one (“delta-one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016 and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on all other specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2017. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the Treasury and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the Treasury regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid will not apply to specified equity-linked instruments that are not delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and are issued before January 1, 2027.
Based on our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” with respect to the Underlying Fund, our special U.S. tax counsel is of the opinion that the notes should not be delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and thus should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Furthermore, the application of Section 871(m) of the Code will depend on our determinations on the date the terms of the notes are set. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.
Nevertheless, after the date the terms are set, it is possible that your notes could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Underlying Fund or your notes, and following such occurrence your notes could be treated as delta-one specified equity-linked instruments that are subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. It is also possible that withholding tax or other tax under Section 871(m) of the Code could apply to the notes under these rules if you enter, or have entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the Underlying Fund or the notes. If you enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Underlying Fund or the notes, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to your notes in the context of your other transactions.
Autocallable Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to a Basket of Three ETFs, due August , 2025 |
Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the notes, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the notes.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders. A note may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual non-U.S. holder holds the note at the time of his or her death. The gross estate of a non-U.S. holder domiciled outside the U.S. includes only property situated in the U.S. Individual non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the notes at death.
FATCA. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) was enacted on March 18, 2010, and imposes a 30% U.S. withholding tax on “withholdable payments” (i.e., certain U.S.-source payments, including interest (and original issue discount), dividends, other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S.-source interest or dividends) and “passthru payments” (i.e., certain payments attributable to withholdable payments) made to certain foreign financial institutions (and certain of their affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees (or is required), among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account at the institution (or the relevant affiliate) and to annually report certain information about such account. FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or do not certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Pursuant to final and temporary Treasury regulations and other IRS guidance, the withholding and reporting requirements under FATCA will generally apply to certain “withholdable payments”, will not apply to gross proceeds on a sale or disposition, and will apply to certain foreign passthru payments only to the extent that such payments are made after the date that is two years after final regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payment” are published. If withholding is required, we (or the applicable paying agent) will not be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Investors should consult their own advisors about the application of FATCA, in particular if they may be classified as financial institutions (or if they hold their notes through a foreign entity) under the FATCA rules.
Proposed Legislation. In 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if it had been enacted, would have required holders of notes purchased after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of the notes despite the fact that there will be no interest payments over the term of the notes.
Furthermore, in 2013 the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments. If it had been enacted, the effect of this legislation generally would have been to require instruments such as the notes to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.
It is not possible to predict whether any similar or identical bills will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your notes. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the possible changes in law and their possible impact on the tax treatment of your notes.
Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction (including that of BNS).
Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S or BofAS toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.
“Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent company of MLPF&S and BofAS.