Subject to Completion

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

 

Preliminary Term Sheet dated July 6, 2017

Registration Statement No. 333-215597

 

 

(To Prospectus dated February 1, 2017,

 

 

Prospectus Supplement dated February 13, 2017 and

 

 

Product Prospectus Supplement EQUITY INDICES

 

 

ARN-1 dated February 23, 2017)

 

   Units
$10 principal amount per unit
CUSIP No. 

 

Pricing Date*
Settlement Date*
Maturity Date*

 

July  , 2017

August  , 2017

September  , 2018

* Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”)

 

 

 

 

Accelerated Return Notes® Linked to the JPX-Nikkei

Index 400

§

Maturity of approximately 14 months

 

 

§

3-to-1 upside exposure to increases in the Index, subject to a capped return of [12% to 16%]

 

 

§

1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Index, with 100% of your investment at risk

 

 

§

All payments occur at maturity and 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

 

 

 

 

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-6 of this term sheet and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.

 

The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.25 and $9.61 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-11 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

 


 

None of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 


 

 

Per Unit

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Public offering price(1)

$

10.00

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting discount(1)

$

  0.20

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds, before expenses, to BNS

$

  9.80

$

 

 

(1)        For any purchase of 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.

 

The notes:

 

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

 

Merrill Lynch & Co.

 

July     , 2017

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

Summary

 

The Accelerated Return Notes® Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018 (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 provide you a leveraged return, subject to a cap, if the Ending Value of the Market Measure, which is the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 (the “Index”), is greater than the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is equal to the Starting Value, you will receive the principal amount of your notes. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, you will lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes. Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity, will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Index, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.

 

The economic terms of the notes (including the Capped Value) are based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements.  Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.

 

On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This range of estimated values was determined by reference to our internal pricing models, which take into consideration certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date and our assumptions about market parameters. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-11.

 

Terms of the Notes

Redemption Amount Determination

 

 

Issuer:

The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS “)

On the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:

Principal Amount:

$10.00 per unit

 

Term:

Approximately 14 months

Market Measure:

The JPX-Nikkei Index 400 (Bloomberg symbol: “JPNK400”), a price return index

Starting Value:

The closing level of the Market Measure on the pricing date

Ending Value:

The average of the closing levels of the Market Measure on each scheduled calculation day occurring during the Maturity Valuation Period. The calculation days are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-18 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.

Participation Rate:

300%

Capped Value:

[$11.20 to $11.60] per unit, which represents a return of [12% to 16%] over the principal amount. The actual Capped Value will be determined on the pricing date.

Maturity Valuation Period:

Five scheduled calculation days shortly before the maturity date.

Fees and Charges:

The underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-11.

Calculation Agent:

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”).

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

TS-2

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:

 

·                   Product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1 dated February 23, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000110465917011115/a17-4372_2424b5.htm

 

·                   Prospectus supplement dated February 13, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000110465917008642/a17-4372_1424b3.htm

 

·                   Prospectus dated February 1, 2017:
https://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 ARN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BNS.

 

Investor Considerations

 

You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:

 

The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:

·                  You anticipate that the Index will increase moderately from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

·                  You are willing to risk a substantial or entire loss of principal if the Index decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

·                  You accept that the return on the notes will be capped.

·                  You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities.

·                  You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index.

·                  You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes.

·                  You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount.

 

·                  You believe that the Index will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value or that it will not increase sufficiently over the term of the notes to provide you with your desired return.

·                  You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital.

·                  You seek an uncapped return on your investment.

·                  You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.

·                  You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Index.

·                  You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market.

·                  You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.

 

We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

TS-3

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity

 

The below graph is based on hypothetical numbers and values.

 

Accelerated Return Notes®

This graph reflects the returns on the notes based on the Participation Rate of 300% and a hypothetical Capped Value of $11.40 per unit (the midpoint of the Capped Value range of [$11.20 to $11.60]). The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Index, excluding dividends.

 

This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only.

 

The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only.  They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100, the Participation Rate of 300%, a hypothetical Capped Value of $11.40 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Ending Value, Capped Value, and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.

 

For recent actual levels of the Market Measure, see “The Index” section below. The Index is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.

 

Ending Value

 

Percentage Change from the
 Starting Value to the Ending
 Value

 

Redemption Amount per Unit

 

Total Rate of Return on the
 Notes

0.00

 

-100.00%

 

$0.00

 

-100.00%

50.00

 

-50.00%

 

$5.00

 

-50.00%

80.00

 

-20.00%

 

$8.00

 

-20.00%

90.00

 

-10.00%

 

$9.00

 

-10.00%

94.00

 

-6.00%

 

$9.40

 

-6.00%

97.00

 

-3.00%

 

$9.70

 

-3.00%

   100.00(1)

 

0.00%

 

$10.00

 

0.00%

102.00

 

2.00%

 

$10.60

 

6.00%

105.00

 

5.00%

 

   $11.40(2)

 

14.00%

110.00

 

10.00%

 

$11.40

 

14.00%

120.00

 

20.00%

 

$11.40

 

14.00%

130.00

 

30.00%

 

$11.40

 

14.00%

140.00

 

40.00%

 

$11.40

 

14.00%

150.00

 

50.00%

 

$11.40

 

14.00%

160.00

 

60.00%

 

$11.40

 

14.00%

 

(1)                     The hypothetical Starting Value of 100 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for the Market Measure.

 

(2)                     The Redemption Amount per unit cannot exceed the hypothetical Capped Value.

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

TS-4

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

Redemption Amount Calculation Examples

 

 

Example 1

The Ending Value is 80.00, or 80.00% of the Starting Value:

Starting Value:     100.00

Ending Value:      80.00

= $8.00 Redemption Amount per unit

 

 

Example 2

The Ending Value is 102.00, or 102.00% of the Starting Value:

Starting Value:     100.00

Ending Value:      102.00

= $10.60 Redemption Amount per unit

 

 

Example 3

The Ending Value is 130.00, or 130.00% of the Starting Value:

Starting Value:     100.00

Ending Value:      130.00

= $19.00, however, because the Redemption Amount for the notes cannot exceed the Capped Value, the Redemption Amount will be $11.40 per unit

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

TS-5

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

Risk Factors

 

There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security.  An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-6 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-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.

 

§                 Depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.

 

§                 Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.

 

§                 Your investment return is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.

 

§                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.

 

§                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-11.

 

§                Our initial estimated value of the notes does not represent future values of the notes and may differ from others’ estimates. Our initial estimated value of the notes is determined by reference to our internal pricing models when the terms of the notes are set.  These pricing models consider certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date, the expected term of the notes, market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, and our assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors.  Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are different from our initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any of our assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the market value of the notes could change significantly based on, among other things, the performance of the Index, changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors.  These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways. Our initial estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any agents would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time.

 

§                Our initial estimated value is not determined by reference to credit spreads or the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. The internal funding rate used in the determination of our initial estimated value of the notes generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities and the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. If we were to use the interest rate implied by the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, or the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate for the notes would have an adverse effect on the economic terms of the notes, the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date, and the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market.

 

§                 A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. 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.

 

§                Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Index), 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.

 

§                 The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that may adversely affect its level and your interests, and the Index sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests.

 

§                 You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included in the Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.

 

§                 While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Index, we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Index, and have not verified any disclosure made by any other company.

 

§                 Your return on the notes may be affected by factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes in Japan. In addition, you will not obtain the benefit of any increase in the value of the yen against the U.S. dollar which you

 

Accelerated Return Notes®

TS-6

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

would have received if you had owned the securities in the Index during the term of your notes, although the level of the Index may be adversely affected by general exchange rate movements in the market.

 

§                  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.

 

§                  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-26 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.

 

 

Additional Risk Factors

 

There are uncertainties regarding the Index because of its limited performance history

 

The Index was first published in January 2014. Accordingly, there is limited trading history available for the Index upon which you can evaluate its prior performance, and it may perform in unexpected ways.  Because the Index’s past historical performance is limited, your investment in the notes may involve a greater risk than investing in securities linked to one or more indices with an established record of performance. A longer history of actual performance may be helpful in providing more reliable information on which to assess the validity of the methodology that the Index uses to select its components, as described below under “The Index.” The historical Index levels should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Index closing level on any given date.

 

There is no assurance that the investment view implicit in the Index will be successful.

 

The Index constituents will be selected from time to time during the term of the notes in the manner described in “The Index—Standards for Listing and Maintenance.”  The criteria used for selecting the Index stocks may not result in stocks that outperform Japanese stocks generally, or the stocks that may be included in other indices that track Japanese securities markets. Although the Index stocks may satisfy the quantitative and qualitative criteria of the Index at the time they are selected, there can be no assurance that they will continue to do so thereafter, which may reduce the level of the Index. There can be no assurance that the future performance of the Index will result in your receiving an amount greater than or equal to the principal amount of your notesThe performance of the Index may be worse than the performance of the equity markets generally, and worse than the performance of specific sectors of the equity markets (including Japanese equities in particular), or other securities in which you may choose to invest.

 

 

Other Terms of the Notes

 

The following definition shall supersede and replace the definition of a “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.

 

Market Measure Business Day

 

A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:

 

(A) the Tokyo Stock Exchange (or any successor) is open for trading; and

 

(B) the Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.

 

Accelerated Return Notes®

TS-7

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

The Index

 

We have derived all information regarding the Index contained in this document, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available information. This information reflects the policies of and is subject to change by Japan Exchange Group, Inc. (“JPX”), Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. (“TSE,” and together with JPX, the “JPX Group”) and Nikkei Inc. (the “Nikkei,” and together with the JPX Group, the “Index sponsor”). The Index was developed by the Index sponsor and is calculated, maintained and published by the Index sponsor. We have not independently investigated the accuracy or completeness of this information. The Index sponsor has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of any discontinuance of the Index are discussed in the section of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1 on page PS-20 entitled “Description of ARNs—Discontinuance of an Index.” None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of the Index or any successor index.

 

The Index is composed of stocks listed on the TSE’s First Section (large companies), Second Section (mid-size companies), Mothers (Market Of The High-growth and EmeRging Stocks) and JASDAQ market.  Stocks included in the Index are selected based on market capitalization, trading value, return on equity and other factors, as described in more detail below.  The Index was first calculated and published on January 6, 2014.  The inception value of the Index was 10,000 on August 30, 2013 (the calculation base date). The Index is calculated every one second during the trading hours of the TSE.

 

Ten main groups of companies are included in the Index, with the approximate percentage of the market capitalization of the Index included in each group as of December 30, 2016 indicated in parentheses: Commercial & Wholesale Trade (4.69%); Machinery (5.21%); Pharmaceutical (5.91%); Transportation & Logistics (5.98%); Financials (excluding banks) (6.52%); Raw Materials & Chemicals (7.66%); Banks (8.38%); Automobiles & Transportation Equipment (9.96%); IT & Services (10.40%); Electric Appliances & Precision Instruments (15.02%) and Others (20.27%). As of that date, 395 of the securities included in the Index were listed on the TSE’s First Section.

 

The notes are linked to the price return version of the Index and is calculated in yen, which means (as noted above) that the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index.

 

Additional information relating to the composition and calculation of the Index is available on the Index sponsor’s website:  http://www.jpx.co.jp/english/markets/indices/jpx-nikkei400/. However, information included in that website shall not be deemed to be included or incorporated by reference in this document.

 

Standards for Listing and Maintenance

 

The Index components are reviewed annually based on the selection criteria applied as of the final business day of June (the base selection date). The calculation of the Index using the new constituents will begin from the last business day of August.  The selection process and criteria are as follows:

 

(1)  1,000 stocks are selected based on their trading value over the past three years and the market value on the base selection date.  Stocks are excluded from selection if they fall under any of the following criteria:

 

·                  listed for less than three years;

 

·                  the company’s liabilities are in excess of its assets during any of the past three fiscal years;

 

·                  the company has an operating loss in each of the past three fiscal years;

 

·                  the company has a net loss in each of the past three fiscal years;

 

·                  the company’s financials have disclosed doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern;

 

·                  disclosure of insufficient financials controls;

 

·                  the stock has been designated as a security to be delisted or security on alert; or

 

·                  certain listing violations have occurred over the past year.

 

(2)  Each stock is scored by (a) three-year average return on equity (weighted 40%), (b) three-year cumulative operating profit (weighted 40%) and (c) market capitalization on the base selection date (weighted 20%), determined as follows:

 

Three-year average return on equity is calculated as follows:

 

 

Three-year cumulative operating profit is the sum of reported operating profit over the past three years.

 

The market capitalization of a stock is calculated based on the number of listed shares multiplied by its closing share price as of the annual base selection date.

 

(3)  400 stocks are selected by the final ranking with the scores calculated above in (2) and qualitative factors from the perspectives of corporate governance and disclosure.  These factors are applied as of the base selection date and include the appointment of at least two independent outside directors, releasing the most recent earnings report according to international financial reporting standards and the release of English language earnings information via TDnet (Timely Disclosure Network).  The final score for each stock equals the sum of the score calculated above in (2) plus the score from the qualitative factors.  Stocks are ranked from highest to lowest based on

 

Accelerated Return Notes®

TS-8

 

 



 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

their final scores, with the exception that stocks with negative three-year average return on equity and most recent return on equity are negative or that have negative three-year cumulative operating profit are moved to the bottom of the ranking.  In the event of a tie in final scores, the stock with the higher market capitalization is ranked higher.

 

Calculation of the Index

 

The Index is calculated using free-float adjusted market value weighting and is calculated to two decimal places.  The level of the Index equals the current total free float adjusted market value divided by the base market value.  The market value is the sum of the number of shares of each constituent stock multiplied by its stock price.  The base market value is adjusted to maintain continuity in the Index when the market value of constituents changes for non-market reasons.  The weight of each Index component is capped at 1.5% of the Index, and if any stock included in the Index exceeds that weight, it is adjusted downwards at the time of the annual review. In case of delisting of the components due to a merger, bankruptcy, or other corporate event, new stocks are not added until the next annual review.

 

The free-float adjustment market value is determined by excluding the estimated number of listed shares that are deemed not to be available for trading in the market, using publicly available documents. Among the shares that are not treated as available are, among others, shares held by specified types of major shareholders, and shares held by board members and other representatives. The free-float weights are reviewed annually for each stock included in the Index, with the announcement and effective date for each stock included in the Index occurring on a quarterly basis, depending upon the relevant company’s earnings release schedule. In addition to this annual review, the Index sponsor may also adjust a company’s free-float weight to reflect extraordinary events.

 

The stocks included in the Index can be updated from time to time to reflect, for example, the establishment of a new company as a result of a corporate consolidation, or the delisting of a company.  A variety of corporate events will result in the change of the number of shares used to calculate the Index, including securities offerings, exercises of warrants and share dividends.

 

The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index in the period from January 6, 2014 through June 29, 2017.  The Index was first published on January 6, 2014, thus only limited historical information exists with respect to the Index. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P.  We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On June 29, 2017, the closing level of the Index was 14,452.92.

 

Historical Performance of the Index

 

 

This historical data on the Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.

 

Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the Index.

 

License Agreement

 

We expect to enter into a non-exclusive license agreement with the Index sponsors providing for the license to us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use the JPNK400, the proprietary data therein contained (the “JPNK400 Index Value”) and the trademarks “Nikkei Inc.,” “Nikkei” and the “JPX-Nikkei Index 400” (collectively, the “JPNK400 Marks”) in connection with certain securities, including the notes.

 

Accelerated Return Notes®

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Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

The JPNK400 Index Value and the JPNK400 Marks are subject to the proprietary rights owned by the Index sponsors and the Index sponsors own all rights and know-how relating to the JPNK400 such as calculation, publication and use of the JPNK400 Index Value and relating to the JPNK400 Marks. The Index sponsors shall reserve the rights to change the methods of calculation or publication, to cease the calculation or publication of the JPNK400 Index Value or to change the JPNK400 Marks or cease the use thereof. The Index sponsors make no warranty or representation whatsoever, either as to the results stemmed from the use of the JPNK400 Index Value and the JPNK400 Marks or as to the figure at which JPNK400 Index Value stands on any particular day. The Index sponsors give no assurance regarding accuracy or completeness of the JPNK400 Index Value and data contained therein. Further, the Index sponsors shall not be liable for the miscalculation, incorrect publication, delayed or interrupted publication of the JPNK400 Index Value. No securities are in no way sponsored, endorsed or promoted by the Index sponsors. The Index sponsors shall not bear any obligation to give an explanation of the notes or any advice on investments to any purchaser of the notes or to the public. The Index sponsors neither select specific stocks or groups thereof nor take into account any needs of the issuing company or any purchaser of the securities, for calculation of the JPNK400 Index Value. Including but not limited to the foregoing, the Index sponsors shall not be responsible for any damage resulting from the issue and sale of the notes.

Information from outside sources is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered part of, this document or any accompanying prospectus.

 

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 three 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 three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than three business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than three 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 Index 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:

 

·               the investor’s spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse’s parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor;

 

·               a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; and

 

·               a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account.

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

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Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Structuring the Notes

 

The notes are our unsecured senior debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Index.  As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the market-linked note is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable maturity. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.

 

At maturity, we are required to pay the Redemption Amount to holders of the notes, which will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with 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 Index, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.

 

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 ARNs” beginning on page PS-6 and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-16 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.

 

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Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

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-27 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-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.

 

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 reference asset. 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 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.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether any entity the stock of which is included in the relevant index 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 relevant Notes. You should refer to information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

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 Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the notes. According to the notice, 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

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

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Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

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 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:

 

·                  a non-resident alien individual;

 

·                  a foreign corporation; or

 

·                  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.

 

If you are a non-U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) and FACTA, 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 871(m) discussed below, gain from the sale, exchange or redemption of the notes 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.

 

Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax (which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing U.S. equity securities.  The withholding tax can apply even if the instrument does not provide for payments that reference dividends.  Treasury regulations provide that the withholding tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one (“delta one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016 and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on all other specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2017.

 

Based on our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” with respect to the Index or any U.S. Index components 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 Index or Index components 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 Index or Index components or the notes.  A non-U.S. holder that enters, or has entered, into other transactions in respect of the Index or Index components 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.

 

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.

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

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Accelerated Return Notes® 

Linked to the JPX-Nikkei Index 400, due September  , 2018

 

 

 

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 the stocks included in the Index 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.

 

“Accelerated Return Notes®” and “ARNs®” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent company of MLPF&S.

 

Accelerated Return Notes® 

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