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Subject to Completion
Preliminary Term Sheet dated December 15, 2017
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration Statement No. 333-215597 (To Prospectus dated February 1, 2017, Prospectus Supplement dated February 13, 2017 and Product Prospectus Supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated February 23, 2017) |
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Units
$10 principal amount per unit CUSIP No.  |
Pricing Date*
Settlement Date* Maturity Date* |
December , 2017
December , 2017 December , 2021 |
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* Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the "pricing date")
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket
§ Maturity of approximately four years, if not called prior to maturity
§ Automatic call of the notes per unit at $10 plus the applicable Call Premium ([$0.65 to $0.75] on the first Observation Date, [$1.30 to $1.50] on the second Observation Date, and [$1.95 to $2.25] on the final Observation Date) if the Basket is flat or increases above 100% of the Starting Value on the relevant Observation Date
§ The Observation Dates will occur approximately one year, two years and three years after the pricing date
§ If the notes are not called, at maturity:
§ a return of 25% if the Basket is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value
§ a return equal to the percentage increase in the Basket if the Basket increases above the Step Up Value
§ 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Basket beyond a 10.00% decline, with up to 90.00% of your principal at risk
§ The Basket will be comprised of the MSCI EAFE® Index and the Russell 2000® Index. Each of those indices will be given an initial weight of 50%
§ 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 $0.075 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
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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" and "Additional Risk Factors" beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and "Risk Factors" beginning on page PS-7 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.50 and $9.79 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-19 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
_________________________
None of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
_________________________
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Per Unit
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Total
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Public offering price(1)
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$10.00
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$
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Underwriting discount(1)
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$ 0.20
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$
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Proceeds, before expenses, to BNS
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$ 9.80
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$
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(1)
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For any purchase of 500,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investor's household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively. See "Supplement to the Plan of Distribution" below.
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The notes:
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Are Not FDIC Insured
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Are Not Bank Guaranteed
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May Lose Value
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Merrill Lynch & Co.
December , 2017
December , 2017
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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Summary
The Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 (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 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 global equity index basket (the “Basket”), is equal to or greater than the Call Level on the relevant Observation Date. If the notes are not called, at maturity, the notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Basket is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the value of the Basket above the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value but greater than or equal to the Threshold Value, you will receive the principal amount of your notes. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will lose a portion, which could be significant, of the principal amount of your notes. Any payments on the notes will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Basket, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The Basket will be comprised of the MSCI EAFE® Index and the Russell 2000® Index (each a “Basket Component”). On the pricing date, each of the Basket Components will be given an initial weight of 50%.
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.
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-19.
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Terms of the Notes
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Issuer:
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The Bank of Nova Scotia ("BNS")
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Call Settlement Dates:
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Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement if the related Observation Date is postponed, as described on page PS-20 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Principal Amount:
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$10.00 per unit
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Call Premiums:
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[$0.65 to $0.75] per unit if called on the first Observation Date (which represents a return of [6.50% to 7.50%] over the principal amount), [$1.30 to $1.50] per unit if called on the second Observation Date (which represents a return of [13.00% to 15.00%] over the principal amount) and [$1.95 to $2.25] per unit if called on the final Observation Date (which represents a return of [19.50% to 22.50%] over the principal amount).
The actual Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date.
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Term:
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Approximately four years, if not called
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Ending Value:
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The value of the Market Measure on the calculation day. The scheduled calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-25 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Market Measure:
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An equally weighted global equity index basket comprised of the MSCI EAFE® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “MXEA”) and the Russell 2000® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “RTY”). Each Basket Component is a price return index.
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Step Up Value:
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125% of the Starting Value.
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Starting Value:
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The Starting Value will be set to 100.00 on the pricing date.
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Step Up Payment:
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$2.50 per unit, which represents a return of 25% over the principal amount.
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Observation Level:
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The value of the Market Measure on the applicable Observation Date, calculated as described on page TS-9.
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Threshold Value:
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90.00% of the Starting Value.
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Observation Dates:
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On or about December , 2018, December , 2019 and December , 2020, approximately one, two and three years after the pricing date. The scheduled Observation Dates are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-25 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Calculation Day:
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Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date.
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Call Level:
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100% of the Starting Value
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Fees and Charges:
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The underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in "Structuring the Notes" on page TS-19.
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Call Amounts (per Unit):
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[$10.65 to $10.75] if called on the first Observation Date, [$11.30 to $11.50] if called on the second Observation Date and [$11.95 to $12.25] if called on the final Observation Date.
The actual Call Amounts will be determined on the pricing date.
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Calculation Agent:
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S").
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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Determining Payment on the Notes
Automatic Call Provision
The notes will be called automatically on an Observation Date if the Observation Level on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the applicable Call Premium.
Redemption Amount Determination
If the notes are not automatically called, on the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
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§
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Product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated February 23, 2017:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000110465917011241/a17-4372_4424b5.htm |
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§
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Prospectus supplement dated February 13, 2017:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000110465917008642/a17-4372_1424b3.htm |
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§
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Prospectus dated February 1, 2017:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000119312517027656/d338678d424b3.htm |
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 MLPF&S 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 prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-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
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You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:
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The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:
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§ You are willing to receive a return on your investment capped at the return represented by the applicable Call Premium if the relevant Observation Level is equal to or greater than the Call Level.
§ You anticipate that the notes will be automatically called or that the value of the Basket will not decrease from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is below the Threshold Value.
§ You are willing to risk a substantial loss of principal and return if the notes are not automatically called and the value of the Basket decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities.
§ You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the 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, as applicable.
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§ You want to hold your notes for the full term.
§ You believe that the notes will not be automatically called and the value of the Basket will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You seek 100% principal repayment or preservation of capital.
§ You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.
§ You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the 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.
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We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
|
Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values. The graph below shows a payout profile at maturity, which would only apply if the notes are not called on any Observation Date.
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This graph reflects the returns on the notes based on the Threshold Value of 90% of the Starting Value, the Step Up Payment of $2.50 per unit and the Step Up Value of 125% of the Starting Value. The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Basket Components, excluding dividends.
This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only.
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The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes, assuming the notes are not called on any Observation Date. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on the Starting Value of 100, the Threshold Value of 90, the Step Up Value of 125, the Step Up Payment of $2.50 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Ending Value, whether the notes are called on an Observation Date, and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
For recent hypothetical values of the Basket, see “The Basket” section below. For recent actual levels of the Basket Components, see “The Basket Components” section below. Each Basket Component is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in any of the Basket Components, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
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Ending Value
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Percentage Change from the Starting Value to the Ending Value
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Redemption Amount per Unit
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Total Rate of Return on the Notes
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0.00
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-100.00%
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$1.00
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-90.00%
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50.00
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-50.00%
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$6.00
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-40.00%
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80.00
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-20.00%
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$9.00
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-10.00%
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90.00(1)
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-10.00%
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$10.00
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0.00%
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94.00
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-6.00%
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$10.00
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0.00%
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95.00
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-5.00%
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$10.00
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0.00%
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97.00
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-3.00%
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$10.00
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0.00%
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100.00(2)
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0.00%
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$12.50(3)
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25.00%
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102.00
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2.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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105.00
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5.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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110.00
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10.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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120.00
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20.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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125.00(4)
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25.00%
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$12.50
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25.00%
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|||
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130.00
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30.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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140.00
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40.00%
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$14.00
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40.00%
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143.00
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43.00%
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$14.30
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43.00%
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150.00
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50.00%
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$15.00
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50.00%
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160.00
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60.00%
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$16.00
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60.00%
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(1)
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This is the Threshold Value.
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(2)
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The Starting Value will be set to 100.00 on the pricing date.
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(3)
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This amount represents the sum of the principal amount and the Step Up Payment of $2.50.
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(4)
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This is the Step Up Value.
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|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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Redemption Amount Calculation Examples
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Example 1
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The Ending Value is 80.00, or 80.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Threshold Value:
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90.00 | |
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Ending Value:
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80.00 | |
 |
Redemption Amount per unit | |
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Example 2
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||
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The Ending Value is 95.00, or 95.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Threshold Value:
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90.00 | |
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Ending Value:
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95.00 | |
| Redemption Amount per unit = $10.00, the principal amount, since the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, but is equal to or greater than the Threshold Value. | ||
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Example 3
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||
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The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Step Up Value:
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125.00 | |
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Ending Value:
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110.00 | |
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Redemption Amount per unit, the principal amount plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value.
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Example 4
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The Ending Value is 143.00, or 143.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Step Up Value:
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125.00 | |
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Ending Value:
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143.00 | |
 |
Redemption Amount per unit
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|
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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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 prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1, page S-2 of the prospectus supplement, and page 6 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
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§
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If the notes are not automatically called, depending on the performance of the Basket as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.
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§
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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.
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§
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If the notes are called, your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium.
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§
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Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Basket Components.
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§
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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.
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§
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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 MLPF&S 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-19.
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§
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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.
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§
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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.
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§
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A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S 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.
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|
§
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Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Basket Components), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates engage in for our clients' accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.
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|
§
|
Changes in the level of one Basket Component may be offset by changes in the level of the other Basket Component.
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§
|
An index sponsor may adjust the relevant Basket Component in a way that may adversely affect its level and your interests, and has no obligation to consider your interests.
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§
|
You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included in the Basket Components, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.
|
|
§
|
While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Basket Components, we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Basket Components, and have not verified any disclosure made by any other company.
|
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
|
|
§
|
Your return on the notes and the value of the notes may be affected by relevant exchange rate movements and factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes in the countries represented by the Basket Components.
|
|
§
|
There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is MLPF&S. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.
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§
|
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 50 of the prospectus dated February 1, 2017, and "Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences" on page PS-29 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
|
The notes are subject to risks associated with small-size capitalization companies.
The stocks composing the RTY are issued by companies with small-sized market capitalization. The stock prices of small-size companies may be more volatile than stock prices of large capitalization companies. Small-size capitalization companies may be less able to withstand adverse economic, market, trade and competitive conditions relative to larger companies. Small-size capitalization companies may also be more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products or services.
Other Terms of the Notes
Market Measure Business Day
The following definition shall supersede and replace the definition of a “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:
|
(A)
|
each of the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (as to the RTY) and the London Stock Exchange, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Paris Bourse, and Tokyo Stock Exchange (as to the MXEA) (or any successor to the foregoing exchanges) are open for trading; and
|
|
|
|
|
(B)
|
the relevant Basket Component or any successor thereto is calculated and published.
|
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
|
The Basket
The Basket is designed to allow investors to participate in the percentage changes in the levels 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-23 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
If December 11, 2017 were the pricing date, for each Basket Component, the Initial Component Weight, the closing level, the hypothetical Component Ratio and the initial contribution to the Basket value would be as follows:
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Basket Component
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Bloomberg Symbol
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Initial Component Weight
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Closing Level(1)(2)
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Hypothetical Component Ratio(1)(3)
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Initial Basket Value Contribution
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MSCI EAFE® Index
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MXEA
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50.00
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2,015.01
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0.02481377
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50.00
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Russell 2000® Index
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RTY
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50.00
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1,519.840
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0.03289820
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50.00
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Starting Value
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100.00
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(1)
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The actual closing level 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-23 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 if a Market Disruption Event occurs on the pricing date as to any Basket Component.
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(2)
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These were the closing levels of the Basket Components on December 11, 2017.
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(3)
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Each hypothetical Component Ratio equals the Initial Component Weight of the relevant Basket Component (as a percentage) multiplied by 100, and then divided by the closing level of that Basket Component on December 11, 2017 and rounded to eight decimal places.
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The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket on each Observation Date and the calculation day by summing the products of the closing level for each Basket Component on that day and the Component Ratio applicable to such Basket Component. If a Market Disruption Event occurs as to any Basket Component on such day, the closing level of that Basket Component will be determined as more fully described in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Basket Market Measures—Observation Level or Ending Value of the Basket” beginning on page PS-24 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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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, 2008 through December 11, 2017. The graph is based upon actual daily historical levels of the Basket Components, hypothetical Component Ratios based on the closing levels of the Basket Components as of December 31, 2007, 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.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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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 MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) with respect to the MSCI EAFE® Index (the “MXEA”), and FTSE Russell with respect to the Russell 2000® Index (the “RTY”). Each of MSCI and FTSE Russell, which owns the copyright and all other rights to the MXEA and to the RTY, respectively, has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the MXEA or the RTY, respectively. The consequences of MSCI or FTSE Russell discontinuing publication of a Basket Component are discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-22 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Basket Component or any successor index.
The MSCI EAFE® Index
The MSCI EAFE® Index (the “MXEA”) is intended to measure equity market performance in developed market countries, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MXEA is a free float-adjusted market capitalization equity index with a base date of December 31, 1969 and an initial value of 100. The MXEA is calculated daily in U.S. dollars and published in real time every 60 seconds during market trading hours. As of November 30, 2017, the MXEA consisted of companies from the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
As of November 30, 2017, the five largest country weights were Japan (24.28%), the United Kingdom (17.43%), France (10.68%), Germany (9.8%), and Switzerland (8.07%) and the five largest sector weights were Financials (21.2%), Industrials (14.51%), Consumer Discretionary (12.24%), Consumer Staples (11.25%), and Health Care (10.16%).
The MXEA is part of the MSCI Regional Equity Indices series and is an MSCI Global Investable Market Index, which is a family within the MSCI International Equity Indices. The MXEA is a “MSCI Index.”
The Country Indices
Each country’s index included in an MSCI Index is referred to as a “Country Index.” Under the MSCI methodology, each Country Index is an “MSCI Global Standard Index.” The components of each Country Index used to be selected by MSCI from among the universe of securities eligible for inclusion in the relevant Country Index so as to target an 85% free float-adjusted market representation level within each of a number of industry groups, subject to adjustments to (i) provide for sufficient liquidity, (ii) reflect foreign investment restrictions (only those securities that can be held by non-residents of the country corresponding to the relevant Country Index are included) and (iii) meet certain other investibility criteria. Following a change in MSCI’s methodology implemented in May 2008, the 85% target is now measured at the level of the country universe of eligible securities rather than the industry group level—so each Country Index will seek to include the securities that represent 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of all securities eligible for inclusion—but will still be subject to liquidity, foreign investment restrictions and other investibility adjustments. MSCI defines “free float” as total shares excluding shares held by strategic investors such as governments, corporations, controlling shareholders and management, and shares subject to foreign ownership restrictions.
A security may be represented by either a listing in the country where it is classified or in a different country (including a depository receipt).
Calculation of the Country Indices
Each Country Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the market performance, including price performance, of the equity securities in that country. Each Country Index is calculated in the relevant local currency as well as in U.S. dollars, with price, gross and net returns.
Each component is included in the relevant Country Index at a weight that reflects the ratio of its free float-adjusted market capitalization (i.e., free public float multiplied by price) to the free float-adjusted market capitalization of all the components in that Country Index. MSCI defines the free float of a security as the proportion of shares outstanding that is deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors.
Calculation of the MSCI Indices
The performance of a MSCI Index on any given day represents the weighted performance of all of the components included in all of the Country Indices. Each component in a MSCI Index is included at a weight that reflects the ratio of its free float-adjusted market capitalization (i.e., free public float multiplied by price) to the free float-adjusted market capitalization of all the components included in all of the Country Indices.
Maintenance of and Changes to the MSCI Indices
MSCI maintains the MSCI Indices with the objective of reflecting, on a timely basis, the evolution of the underlying equity markets and segments. In maintaining the indices, emphasis is also placed on continuity, continuous investibility of the constituents, replicability, index stability and low turnover in the indices.
As part of the changes to MSCI’s methodology which became effective in May 2008, maintenance of the indices falls into three broad categories:
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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●
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semi-annual reviews, which will occur each May and November and will involve a comprehensive reevaluation of the market, the universe of eligible securities and other factors involved in composing the indices;
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●
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quarterly reviews, which will occur each February, May, August and November and will focus on significant changes in the market since the last semi-annual review and on including significant new eligible securities (such as IPOs, which were not eligible for earlier inclusion in the indices); and
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●
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ongoing event-related changes, which will generally be reflected in the indices at the time of the event and will include changes resulting from mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, bankruptcies, reorganizations and other similar corporate events.
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Based on these reviews, additional components may be added, and current components may be removed, at any time. MSCI generally announces all changes resulting from semi-annual reviews, quarterly reviews and ongoing events in advance of their implementation, although in exceptional cases they may be announced during market hours for same or next day implementation.
Prices and Exchange Rates
Prices
The prices used to calculate the MSCI Indices are the official exchange closing prices or those figures accepted as such. MSCI reserves the right to use an alternative pricing source on any given day.
Exchange Rates
MSCI uses the closing spot rates published by WM / Reuters at 4:00 p.m., London time. MSCI uses WM / Reuters rates for all countries for which it provides indices.
In case WM/Reuters does not provide rates for specific markets on given days (for example Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), the previous business day’s rates are normally used. MSCI independently monitors the exchange rates on all its indices and may, under exceptional circumstances, elect to use an alternative exchange rate if the WM / Reuters rates are not available, or if MSCI determines that the WM / Reuters rates are not reflective of market circumstances for a given currency on a particular day. In such circumstances, an announcement would be sent to clients with the related information. If appropriate, MSCI may conduct a consultation with the investment community to gather feedback on the most relevant exchange rate.
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the MXEA in the period from January 1, 2008 through December 11, 2017. 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 December 11, 2017, the closing level of the MXEA was 2,015.01.
This historical data on the MXEA is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the MSCI EAFE® Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the MSCI EAFE® Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the MSCI EAFE® Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the MSCI EAFE® Index.
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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License Agreement
MSCI and MLPF&S have agreed to enter into a non-exclusive license agreement and MLPF&S and BNS will enter into a sub-license agreement providing for the license to BNS, in exchange for a fee, for the right to use the MXEA in connection with the issuance and marketing of securities, including the notes.
The sublicense agreement provides that the following language must be stated in this term sheet:
“THE NOTES ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI INC. ("MSCI"), ANY AFFILIATE OF MSCI OR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX. THE MSCI INDICES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY BNS. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN FINANCIAL SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE NOTES PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDICES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THE NOTES OR THE ISSUER OR OWNER OF A NOTE. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUERS OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDICES. NEITHER MSCI, ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE NOTES TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE NOTES ARE REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, THE MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THE NOTES.
ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDICES FROM SOURCES WHICH MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, LICENSEE'S CUSTOMERS OR COUNTERPARTIES, ISSUERS OF THE FINANCIAL SECURITIES, OWNERS OF THE FINANCIAL SECURITIES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED HEREUNDER OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO ANY MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
No purchaser, seller, or holder of the notes, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark, or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market, or promote the notes without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI’s permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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The Russell 2000® Index
The RTY was developed by Russell Investments (“Russell”) before FTSE International Limited and Russell combined in 2015 to create FTSE Russell, which is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. The RTY measures the composite price performance of stocks of 2,000 companies in the U.S. equity market. As of October 31, 2017, the top five Russell Global Sectors were Financial Services, Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Health Care and Producer Durables. (Sector designations are determined by FTSE Russell 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.)
The RTY includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities that form the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index is comprised of the 3,000 largest companies, or 98% based on market capitalization, of the investable U.S. equity market. The RTY is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market.
Selection of Constituent Stocks of the RTY
The RTY is a sub-index of the Russell 3000® Index. To be eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, and, consequently, the RTY, a company’s stocks must be listed on the last trading day of May of a given year and FTSE Russell must have access to documentation verifying the company’s eligibility for inclusion. Eligible initial public offerings are added to Russell U.S. Indices at the end of each calendar quarter, based on total market capitalization rankings within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. To be added to any Russell U.S. index during a quarter outside of reconstitution, initial public offerings must meet additional eligibility criteria.
A company is included in the U.S. equity markets and is eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, and consequently, the RTY, if that company incorporates in, has its headquarters in and also trades with the highest liquidity (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume from all exchanges) in the United States or its territories. If a company satisfies any one of these criteria and the primary location of that company’s assets or its revenue, based on an average of two years of assets or revenues data, is also in the United States, that company will also be considered part of the U.S. equity market. In addition, if there is insufficient information to assign a company to the U.S. equity markets based on its assets or revenue, the company may nonetheless be assigned to the U.S. equity markets if the headquarters of the company is located in certain “benefit-driven incorporation countries,” or “BDIs,” and that company’s most liquid stock exchange is also in the United States. The BDI countries are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Turks and Caicos Islands. ADRs and ADSs are not eligible for inclusion in the RTY.
Exclusions from the RTY
FTSE Russell specifically excludes the following companies and securities from the RTY: (i) preferred and convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants, rights, installment receipts and trust receipts; (ii) royalty trusts, U.S. limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (companies that are required to report Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, as defined by the SEC, including business development companies), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies and limited partnerships; (iii) companies with a total market capitalization less than $30 million; (iv) companies with only a small portion of their shares available in the marketplace (companies with 5% or less float); (v) bulletin board, pink sheets or over-the-counter traded securities; (vi) companies that generate, or have historically generated, unrelated business taxable income and have not taken steps to block their unrelated business taxable income to equity holders; and (vii) exchange traded funds and mutual funds.
Initial List of Eligible Securities
The primary criterion FTSE Russell uses to determine the initial list of securities eligible for the Russell 3000® Index and consequently, the RTY, is total market capitalization, which is calculated by multiplying the total outstanding shares for a company times the market price as of the “rank day” (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is announced each spring) in May. All common stock share classes are combined in determining market capitalization. If multiple share classes have been combined, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the last trading day of May of each year to be eligible for inclusion in the RTY. In order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last trading day of May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices from their primary exchange during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00.
Annual Reconstitution
The RTY is reconstituted annually by FTSE Russell to reflect changes in the marketplace. The list of companies is ranked based on total market capitalization on the rank day in May, with the actual reconstitution effective on the first trading day following the final Friday of June each year, unless the final Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, in which case reconstitution will be effective on the preceding Friday. Changes in the constituents are preannounced and subject to change if any corporate activity occurs or if any new information is received prior to release.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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Index Calculation and Capitalization Adjustments
As a capitalization-weighted index, the RTY reflects changes in the capitalization, or market value, of the underlier stocks relative to the capitalization on a base date. This discussion describes the “price return” calculation of the RTY. The current RTY value is the compounded result of the cumulative daily (or monthly) return percentages, where the starting value of the RTY is equal to the base value (100) and base date (December 31, 1978). Returns between any two dates can then be derived by dividing the ending period index value (IV1) by the beginning period (IV0) index value, so that the return equals [(IV1 / IV0) – 1] * 100. The ending period index value, for purposes of calculating the RTY value, on any date is determined by adding the market values of the underlier stocks, which are derived by multiplying the primary closing price of each stock by the number of available shares, to arrive at the total market capitalization of the 2,000 stocks.
Constituent stocks of the RTY are weighted in the RTY by their free-float market capitalization, which is calculated by multiplying the primary closing price by the number of free-float shares. Free-float shares are shares that are available to the public for purchase as determined by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell determines shares available to the public for purchase based on information recorded in corporate filings with the SEC and other reliable sources in the event of missing or questionable data. FTSE Russell removes the following types of shares from total market capitalization to arrive at free-float market capitalization:
Officers and directors’ holdings — shares held by officers and directors.
Large private holdings — shares held by an individual, a group of individuals acting together or a corporation (that is included in the RTY) if such holdings constitute 10% or more of the shares outstanding.
Institutional holdings — shares held by investment companies, partnerships, insurance companies, mutual funds or banks are excluded if the holding is greater than 30%. If a firm has a direct relationship to the company, such as board representation, they are considered strategic holdings and excluded regardless of the size of holding per the officers and directors’ exclusion rule.
Publicly listed companies — shares held by publicly listed companies. Holdings considered as Institutional will be considered as available unless the 30% threshold is surpassed, regardless of listing.
ESOP or LESOP shares — shares held by employee stock ownership plans and leveraged employee stock ownership plans.
Initial public offering lock-ups — shares locked-up during an initial public offering are not available to the public and will be excluded from the market value at the time the initial public offering enters the RTY.
Government holdings — shareholdings listed as “government of.” Shares held by government investment boards and/or investment arms are treated like shares held by large private shareholdings and are excluded if the number of shares is greater than 10% of outstanding shares. Shares held by a government pension plan are considered institutional holdings and will not be excluded unless the holding is greater than 30%.
Corporate Actions Affecting the RTY
FTSE Russell adjusts the RTY on a daily basis in response to certain corporate actions and events. Therefore, a company’s membership in the RTY and its weight in the RTY can be impacted by these corporate actions. The adjustment is applied based on sources of public information, including press releases and SEC filings. Prior to the completion of a corporate action or event, FTSE Russell estimates the effective date. FTSE Russell will then adjust the anticipated effective date based on public information until the date is considered final. Depending on the time on a given day that an action is determined to be final, FTSE Russell will generally either (1) apply the action before the open on the ex-date or (2) apply the action after providing appropriate notice to its clients regarding the impact of the action and the effective date. FTSE Russell applies the following methodology guidelines when adjusting the RTY in response to corporate actions and events:
“No Replacement” Rule — Securities that are deleted from the RTY between reconstitution dates, for any reason (e.g., mergers, acquisitions or other similar corporate activity) are not replaced. Thus, the number of securities in the RTY over the past year will fluctuate according to corporate activity.
Mergers and Acquisitions — Between constituents: When mergers and acquisitions take place between companies that are both constituents of a Russell index, the target company is deleted and its market capitalization simultaneously moves to the acquiring company’s stock. In the absence of an active market for the target company at the time of index implementation, the target company will be deleted from the RTY using a synthetic price based on the offer terms. Given sufficient market hours after confirmation, FTSE Russell effects this action after the close on the last day of trade of the target company, or at an appropriate time once the transaction has been deemed to be final (implementation may occur prior to the last day of trade to avoid potential delays with the associated synthetic pricing).
Between a constituent and a non-constituent: If the target company is a member of the RTY, it is deleted from the RTY after FTSE Russell determines that the action or event is final. If the acquiring company is a member of the RTY, its shares are adjusted by adding the target company’s market capitalization (if the increase in shares is greater than 5%). If the target company is not a member of a Russell index shares of the acquiring company will remain unchanged. If a non-index member acquires an index member, the acquired member will be deleted from the RTY once the action is final.
Reincorporation — Members of the RTY that reincorporate to another country and continue to trade in the United States and companies that reincorporate to the United States during the year are analyzed for assignment by FTSE Russell during annual reconstitution. Members that reincorporate in another country and no longer trade in the United States are immediately deleted from the Russell U.S. indices.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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Reclassification of shares (pricing vehicles) — Pricing vehicles will not be assessed or changed outside of a reconstitution period unless the existing class ceases to exist. In the event of extenuating circumstances signaling a necessary pricing vehicle change, proper notification will be made.
Rights Offerings — Rights offered to shareholders are reflected in the RTY only if the subscription price of the rights is at a discount to the market price. Provided that FTSE Russell has been alerted to the rights offer prior to the ex-date, it will adjust the price of the stock for the value of the rights and increased shares according to the terms of the offering before the open on the ex-date. Where the Rights Issue / Entitlement offer subscription price remains unconfirmed on the ex-date, an estimated price will be used. FTSE Russell will estimate the subscription price using the value being raised and the offer terms. This treatment applies for both transferable and non-transferable rights. Rights issued as part of a poison pill arrangement or entitlements that give shareholders the right to purchase ineligible securities such as convertible debt are excluded from this treatment.
Changes to Shares Outstanding — Changes to shares outstanding due to buybacks (including Dutch auctions), secondary offerings, and other potential changes are generally updated at the end of each month. FTSE Russell only applies month-end changes to available shares outstanding if the cumulative change in the number of shares outstanding is greater than 5%. Share changes that are confirmed by their vendors and verified by FTSE Russell by use of an SEC filing at least six days prior to month end are implemented and communicated to clients who subscribe at the Premier level five trading days prior to month end. The float factor last determined (either at reconstitution or due to a corporate action implementation) is applied to the new shares. No such changes are made in June due to the most recent annual reconstitution. Month-end changes in November and December will be processed as one event after the close on the third Friday of each December along with fourth quarter initial public offerings additions due to low liquidity in the financial markets at the end of the year and the proximity of a separate November month-end process.
Spin-offs — Spin-offs will be valued using an estimate prior to ex-date. When a spin-off results in an eligible security type being listed on an eligible exchange, the spin-off company will remain in the RTY until the next index review, regardless of size. When an index constituent spins off an ineligible security type or the spin-off company is listed on an ineligible exchange only, the security will be added to the RTY on the ex-date and subsequently removed with notice at market price once “regular way” trade has commenced.
Tender Offers — A company acquired as a result of a cash tender offer is removed if (i) Where offer acceptances are below 90%, there is reason to believe that the remaining free float is under 5% based on information available at the time; or (ii) Following completion of the offer the acquirer has stated intent to finalize the acquisition via a short-form merger, squeeze-out, top-up option or any other compulsory mechanism; or (iii) Offer acceptances reach 90% (initial, extension or subsequent); and (iv) Shareholders have validly tendered and the shares have been irrevocably accepted for payment; and all pertinent offer conditions have been reasonably met and the acquirer has not explicitly stated that it does not intend to acquire the remaining shares.
Voluntary Exchange Offers — A publicly traded company may offer to exchange or split-off some or all of its ownership in a separate publicly traded company. Once the offer expires, FTSE Russell will decrease the available shares in the offering company, and increase the available shares of ‘split-off’ company, based on the results of the offering. FTSE Russell will effect this change based on, but not limited to, preliminary results, company filings, and exchange notices.
Bankruptcy and Voluntary Liquidations — Companies that file for a Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy or have filed a liquidation plan will be removed from the RTY at the time of the bankruptcy filing; whereas companies filing for a Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy will remain a member of the RTY, unless the company is de-listed from the primary exchange, in which case normal de-listing rules apply. If a company files for bankruptcy, is delisted and it can be confirmed that it will not trade OTC, FTSE Russell may remove the stock at a nominal price of $0.0001.
Stock Distributions — A price adjustment for stock distributions is applied on the ex-date of the distribution. When the number of shares for the distribution is fixed, FTSE Russell increases the number of shares on the ex-date. When the number of shares is an undetermined amount based on future earnings and profits, FTSE Russell increases the number of shares on the pay-date.
Dividends — FTSE Russell includes gross dividends in the daily total return calculation of the RTY on the basis of their ex-dates. If a dividend is payable in stock and cash and the number of shares to be issued cannot be determined by the ex-date, the dividend is treated as all cash. Regular cash dividends are reinvested across the RTY at the close on the dividend ex-date, while special cash dividends are subtracted from the price of the stock before the open on the ex-date.
Halted Securities — Halted securities are not removed from the RTY until the time they are actually delisted from the exchange. If a security is halted and declared bankrupt without any indication of compensation to shareholders, the last traded price will be adjusted down to zero value and it will subsequently be removed from the RTY with T+2 notice. In all other cases, the security will continue to be included in the RTY for a period of up to 20 business days at its last traded price. If the security continues to be suspended at the end of a period of up to 20 business days, FTSE Russell will review it to decide whether to remove it at zero value, repeating such review as applicable at successive 20 business day intervals until trading recommences or specified time limits expire and the security is removed.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the RTY in the period from January 1, 2008 through December 11, 2017. 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 December 11, 2017, the closing level of the RTY was 1,519.840.
This historical data on the RTY is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the RTY or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the RTY during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the RTY is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the RTY.
License Agreement
FTSE Russell has entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with us, granting us, and certain of our affiliates, in exchange for a fee, permission to use the RTY in connection with the offer and sale of the notes. We are not affiliated with FTSE Russell; the only relationship between FTSE Russell and us is the licensing of the use of the RTY (a trademark of FTSE Russell) and trademarks relating to the RTY. We do not accept any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the RTY or any successor index.
The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the RTY to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same.
FTSE Russell’s publication of the RTY in no way suggests or implies an opinion by FTSE Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the RTY is based. FTSE Russell’s only relationship to us is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of FTSE Russell and of the RTY which is determined, composed and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to us or the notes. FTSE Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the notes nor any associated literature or publications and FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. FTSE Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the RTY. FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes.
FTSE RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND FTSE RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, INVESTORS, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL FTSE RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S 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.
We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than two business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than two business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days prior to the original issue 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 acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S 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 trading commissions and mark-ups. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions. At MLPF&S’s discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S 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 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, 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 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 MLPF&S’s estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S 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 MLPF&S may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding BNS or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:
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the investor's spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse's parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor;
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a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investor's household as described above; and
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a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor's household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee's personal account.
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Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees (“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).
Please contact your Merrill Lynch 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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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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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 MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S 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.
MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S 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 MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see “Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to the Notes” beginning on page PS-7 and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-17 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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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 19 of the prospectus) owning debt securities, and the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under "Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the applicable product prospectus supplement.
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 pricing supplement 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 “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” section beginning on page PS-30 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
No statutory, 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.
We will not attempt to ascertain whether any entity the stock of which is included in the MXEA would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If any such entity were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply to U.S. holders upon the taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of the notes. You should refer to information filed with the SEC or an equivalent governmental authority by such entities and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if such entity is or becomes a PFIC.
Pursuant to the terms of the notes, BNS and you agree, in the absence of a statutory, regulatory, administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your notes as a pre-paid derivative contract with respect to the Basket. If your notes are so treated, you should generally recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you hold your notes for more than one year (and otherwise, short-term capital gain or loss) upon the sale, exchange, redemption, automatic call or maturity 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 (“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 the issuer 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.
In the opinion of our counsel, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, it would be reasonable to treat your notes in the manner described above. However, because there is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of the notes, it is possible that your notes could alternatively be treated for tax purposes as a single contingent payment debt instrument or pursuant to some other characterization, such that the timing and character of your income from the notes could differ materially from the treatment described above.
Possible Change in Law. 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. Treasury Department are actively considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, and they are seeking taxpayer comments on the subject. 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 U.S. Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Code should be applied to such instruments.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. holders that are individuals or estates and 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 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 (which, in 2017, is $12,500). The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the regular income tax. U.S. holders should consult their 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
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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financial assets” (applying certain attribution rules) exceeds $50,000. 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 sale, exchange, redemption, automatic call or maturity 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. This section applies only if you are a non-U.S. holder. For these purposes, you are a non-U.S. holder if you are the beneficial owner of the notes and are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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a non-resident alien individual;
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a foreign corporation; or
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an estate or trust that, in either case, is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on income or gain from the notes.
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If you are a non-U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) 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 foreign 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 and Section 871(m) discussed below, gain from the sale, exchange or redemption of the notes, automatic call or settlement at maturity generally will not be subject to U.S. tax unless such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by you in the U.S. or unless 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 sale, exchange or settlement and certain other conditions are satisfied.
We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of any underlying equity constituent of the Index would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the Notes should be treated as “United States real property interests” as defined in section 897 of the Code If an issuer of any underlying equity constituent of the Index 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 sale, exchange, early redemption or other 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 underlying equity constituent for their notes as a USRPHC or the notes as United States real property interests.
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 2018.
Based on our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” with respect to any Basket Component or any stocks comprising any Basket Component, our 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 made upon issuance of the notes. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.
Nevertheless, after issuance, it is possible that your notes could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Basket Components or stocks comprising any Basket Component 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 a non-U.S. holder enters, or has entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the Basket Components or stocks comprising any Basket Component or the notes. A non-U.S. holder that enters, or has entered, into other transactions in respect of the Basket Components or stocks comprising any Basket Component or the notes should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to its notes in the context of its other transactions.
Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the notes, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the notes.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders. A note may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual non-U.S. holder holds the note at the time of his or her death. The gross estate of a non-U.S. holder domiciled outside the U.S. includes only property situated in the U.S. Individual non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the notes at death.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due December , 2021 |
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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" made on or after July 1, 2014, certain gross proceeds on a sale or disposition occurring after December 31, 2018, and certain foreign passthru payments made after December 31, 2018 (or, if later, the date that 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 non-U.S. entity) under the FATCA rules.
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 the issuers of stocks included in the Basket Components and BNS).
Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product prospectus 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 toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.
Market-Linked Investments Classification
MLPF&S classifies certain market-linked investments (the "Market-Linked Investments") into categories, each with different investment characteristics. The following description is meant solely for informational purposes and is not intended to represent any particular Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investment or guarantee any performance.
Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investments are short- to medium-term investments that offer you a way to enhance exposure to a particular market view without taking on a similarly enhanced level of market downside risk. They can be especially effective in a flat to moderately positive market (or, in the case of bearish investments, a flat to moderately negative market). In exchange for the potential to receive better-than market returns on the linked asset, you must generally accept market downside risk and capped upside potential. As these investments are not market downside protected, and do not assure full repayment of principal at maturity, you need to be prepared for the possibility that you may lose all or part of your investment.