Subject to Completion Preliminary Term Sheet dated October 23, 2017 | Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement No. 333-213265 (To Prospectus dated November 4, 2016, Prospectus Supplement dated November 4, 2016 and Product Supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1 dated November 28, 2016) |
Units $10 principal amount per unit CUSIP No.  | Pricing Date* Settlement Date* Maturity Date* | October , 2017 November , 2017 November , 2022 | |||
*Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”) | |||||
BofA Finance LLC Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Bank of America Corporation ■ Maturity of approximately five years ■ [135.00% to 155.00%] leveraged upside exposure to increases in the Basket ■ The Basket will be comprised of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, the EURO STOXX 50® Index, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Each of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM and the EURO STOXX 50® Index will be given an initial weight of 40%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index will be given an initial weight of 20% ■ 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 ■ All payments occur at maturity and are subject to the credit risk of BofA Finance LLC, as issuer of the notes, and the credit risk of Bank of America Corporation, as guarantor of the notes ■ 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 being issued by BofA Finance LLC (“BofA Finance”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet, page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1, page S-4 of the accompanying Series A MTN prospectus supplement and page 7 of the accompanying prospectus.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.40 and $9.65 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-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 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) | $0.25 | $ |
Proceeds, before expenses, to BofA Finance | $9.75 | $ |
(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 $0.20 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest” below. |
The notes and the related guarantee:
Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value |
Merrill Lynch & Co.
October , 2017
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
Summary
The Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. Payments on the notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BAC. The notes and the related guarantee are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or secured by collateral. The notes will rank equally with all of BofA Finance's other unsecured and unsubordinated debt, and the related guarantee will rank equally with all of BAC's other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BofA Finance, as issuer, and BAC, as guarantor. The notes provide you a leveraged return if the Ending Value of the Market Measure, which is the global equity index basket described below (the “Basket”), is greater than the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is equal to or 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 and BAC's credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The Basket will be comprised of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, the EURO STOXX 50® Index, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (each a “Basket Component”). On the pricing date, each of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM and the EURO STOXX 50® Index will be given an initial weight of 40%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index will be given an initial weight of 20%.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Participation Rate) are based on BAC’s internal funding rate, which is the rate it would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. BAC’s internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate it would pay when it issues conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount 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 initial estimated value range was determined based on our, BAC’s and our other affiliates’ pricing models, which take into consideration BAC’s internal funding rate and the market prices for the hedging arrangements related to the notes. The initial estimated value of the notes calculated on the pricing date will be set forth in the final term sheet made available to investors in the notes. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-19.
Terms of the Notes | Redemption Amount Determination | |
Issuer: | BofA Finance LLC (“BofA Finance”) | On the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows: |
Guarantor: | Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”) | |
Principal Amount: | $10.00 per unit |  |
Term: | Approximately five years | |
Market Measure: | A global equity index basket comprised of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM (Bloomberg symbol: “INDU”), the EURO STOXX 50® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SX5E”), and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Bloomberg symbol: “MXEF”). Each Basket Component is a price return index. | |
Starting Value: | The Starting Value will be set to 100.00 on the pricing date. | |
Ending Value: | The average of the values of the Market Measure on each calculation day occurring during the Maturity Valuation Period. The scheduled calculation days are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-24 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1. | |
Threshold Value: | 90.00% of the Starting Value | |
Participation Rate: | [135% to 155%]. The actual Participation Rate 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 $0.25 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. | |
Calculation Agent: | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), an affiliate of BofA Finance. | |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-2 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
■ | Product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1 dated November 28, 2016: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312516778251/d301984d424b5.htm |
■ | Series A MTN prospectus supplement dated November 4, 2016 and prospectus dated November 4, 2016: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312516760144/d266649d424b3.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, BAC and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BofA Finance, and not to BAC.
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 value of the Basket will increase from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. ■ You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the value of the Basket decreases from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is below the Threshold 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 and BAC's actual and perceived creditworthiness, BAC's internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes. ■ You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, and BAC's credit risk, as guarantor of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount. | ■ You believe that the value of the Basket 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 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, to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes, or to take BAC's credit risk, as guarantor of the notes. |
We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-3 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values.
Leveraged Index Return Notes®  | This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on a Participation Rate of 145% (the midpoint of the Participation Rate range of [135% to 155%]) and the Threshold Value of 90% 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. |
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 the Starting Value of 100, the Threshold Value of 90, a Participation Rate of 145% and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Participation Rate, Ending 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.
Ending Value | Percentage Change from the Starting Value to the Ending Value | Redemption Amount per Unit(1) | Total Rate of Return on the Notes |
0.00 | -100.00% | $1.00 | -90.00% |
50.00 | -50.00% | $6.00 | -40.00% |
80.00 | -20.00% | $9.00 | -10.00% |
90.00(2) | -10.00% | $10.00 | 0.00% |
94.00 | -6.00% | $10.00 | 0.00% |
95.00 | -5.00% | $10.00 | 0.00% |
97.00 | -3.00% | $10.00 | 0.00% |
100.00(3) | 0.00% | $10.00 | 0.00% |
102.00 | 2.00% | $10.29 | 2.90% |
110.00 | 10.00% | $11.45 | 14.50% |
120.00 | 20.00% | $12.90 | 29.00% |
130.00 | 30.00% | $14.35 | 43.50% |
140.00 | 40.00% | $15.80 | 58.00% |
150.00 | 50.00% | $17.25 | 72.50% |
160.00 | 60.00% | $18.70 | 87.00% |
(1) | The Redemption Amount per unit is based on the hypothetical Participation Rate. |
(2) | This is the hypothetical Threshold Value. |
(3) | The Starting Value will be set to 100.00 on the pricing date. |
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 and guarantor credit risk.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-4 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
Redemption Amount Calculation Examples
Example 1 | |
The Ending Value is 80.00, or 80.00% of the Starting Value: | |
Starting Value: 100.00 | |
Threshold Value: 90.00 | |
Ending Value: 80.00 | |
 | Redemption Amount per unit |
Example 2 |
The Ending Value is 95.00, or 95.00% of the Starting Value: |
Starting Value: 100.00 |
Threshold Value: 90.00 |
Ending Value: 95.00 |
Redemption Amount (per unit) = $10.00, the principal amount, since the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value but equal to or greater than the Threshold Value. |
Example 3 | |
The Ending Value is 150.00, or 150.00% of the Starting Value: | |
Starting Value: 100.00 | |
Ending Value: 150.00 | |
 | = $17.25 Redemption Amount per unit |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-5 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
Risk Factors
There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1, page S-4 of the Series A MTN prospectus supplement, and page 7 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 Basket 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. |
■ | Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk and the credit risk of BAC, and actual or perceived changes in our or BAC’s creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we and BAC become insolvent or are unable to pay our respective obligations, you may lose your entire investment. |
■ | Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Basket Components. |
■ | We are a finance subsidiary and, as such, will have limited assets and operations. |
■ | BAC’s obligations under its guarantee of the notes will be structurally subordinated to liabilities of its subsidiaries |
■ | The notes issued by us will not have the benefit of any cross-default or cross-acceleration with other indebtedness of BofA Finance or BAC; events of bankruptcy or insolvency or resolution proceedings relating to BAC and covenant breach by BAC will not constitute an event of default with respect to the notes |
■ | The initial estimated value of the notes considers certain assumptions and variables and relies in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. The initial estimated value of the notes is an estimate only, determined as of a particular point in time by reference to our and our affiliates’ pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, including our credit spreads, and those of BAC, BAC’s internal funding rate on the pricing date, mid-market terms on hedging transactions, expectations on interest rates and volatility, price-sensitivity analysis, and the expected term of the notes. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. |
■ | The public offering price you pay for the notes will exceed the initial estimated value. If you attempt to sell the notes prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other things, changes in the value of the Basket, BAC’s internal funding rate, and the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge, all as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-19. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways. |
■ | The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, BAC, MLPF&S or any of our other affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your notes at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including the performance of the Basket, our and BAC’s creditworthiness and changes in market conditions. |
■ | A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. None of us, BAC or 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. |
■ | BAC and its affiliates’ hedging and trading activities (including trades in shares of companies included in the Basket Components), and any hedging and trading activities BAC or its affiliates engage in that are not for your account or on your behalf, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you. |
■ | Changes in the level of one of the Basket Components may be offset by changes in the levels of the other Basket Components. Due to the different Initial Component Weights, changes in the levels of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM and the EURO STOXX 50® Index will have a more substantial impact on the value of the Basket than similar changes in the level of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. |
■ | The index sponsors may adjust each Basket Component in a way that affects its level, and the index sponsors have no obligation to consider your interests. |
■ | You will have no rights of a holder of the securities represented by the Basket Components, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities. |
■ | While BAC and our other affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Basket Components, we, BAC and our other affiliates do not control any company included in the Basket Components, and have not verified any disclosures made by any other company. |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-6 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
■ | Your return on the notes and the value of the notes may be affected by exchange rate movements and factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes in the countries represented by the Basket Components. |
■ | An investment in the notes will involve risks that are associated with investments that are linked to the equity securities of issuers from emerging markets. Many of the issuers included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index are based in nations that are undergoing rapid institutional change, including the restructuring of economic, political, financial, and legal systems. The regulatory and tax environments in these nations may be subject to change without review or appeal, and many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of their capital markets and their tax systems. In addition, in some of these nations, issuers of the relevant securities face the threat of expropriation their assets, and/or nationalization of their businesses. It may be more difficult for an investor in these markets to monitor investments in these companies, because these companies may be subject to fewer disclosure requirements than companies in developed markets, and economic and financial data about some of these countries may be unreliable. |
■ | There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent. |
■ | The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary Tax Consequences” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-27 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1. |
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 supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1.
A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:
(A) each of the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (as to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM), the Eurex (as to the EURO STOXX 50® Index), and the London Stock Exchange, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the São Paulo Stock Exchange and the Korea Stock Exchange (as to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index) (or any successor to the foregoing exchanges) are open for trading; and
(B) the Basket Components or any successors thereto are calculated and published.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-7 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
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 LIRNs-Basket Market Measures” beginning on page PS-22 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1.
If October 17, 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:
Basket Component | Bloomberg Symbol | Initial Component Weight | Closing Level(1)(2) | Hypothetical Component Ratio(1)(3) | Initial Basket Value Contribution | |||||
Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM | INDU | 40.00% | 22,997.44 | 0.00173932 | 40.00 | |||||
EURO STOXX 50® Index | SX5E | 40.00% | 3,607.77 | 0.01108718 | 40.00 | |||||
MSCI Emerging Markets Index | MXEF | 20.00% | 1,125.66 | 0.01776735 | 20.00 | |||||
Starting Value | 100.00 |
(1) | 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 LIRNs—Basket Market Measures—Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Component” beginning on page PS-22 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1 if a Market Disruption Event occurs on the pricing date as to any Basket Component. |
(2) | These were the closing levels of the Basket Components on October 17, 2017. |
(3) | 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 October 17, 2017 and rounded to eight decimal places. |
The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket by summing the products of the closing level for each Basket Component on each calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period and the Component Ratio applicable to such Basket Component. If a Market Disruption Event occurs as to any Basket Component on any scheduled calculation day, the closing level of that Basket Component will be determined as more fully described in the section entitled “Description of LIRNs—Basket Market Measures—Ending Value of the Basket” beginning on page PS-23 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-8 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
While actual historical information on the Basket will not exist before the pricing date, the following graph sets forth the hypothetical historical daily performance of the Basket from January 1, 2008 through October 17, 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.
Hypothetical Historical Performance of the Basket
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-9 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
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 Dow Jones Indexes, STOXX Limited, and MSCI Inc. (the “index sponsors”). The index sponsors, which license the copying and all other rights to the Basket Components, have no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Basket Components. The consequences of the index sponsors discontinuing publication of the Basket Components are discussed in the section entitled “Description of LIRNs—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-21 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1. None of us, BAC, the calculation agent or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Basket Components or any successor indices.
The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
Unless otherwise stated, all information on the INDU provided in this term sheet is derived from Dow Jones Indexes, the marketing name and a licensed trademark of CME Indexes. The INDU is a price-weighted index, which means an underlying stock’s weight in the INDU is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer. The INDU is designed to provide an indication of the composite performance of 30 common stocks of corporations representing a broad cross-section of U.S. industry. The corporations represented in the INDU tend to be market leaders in their respective industries and their stocks are typically widely held by individuals and institutional investors.
The INDU is maintained by an Averages Committee comprised of the Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal (“WSJ”), the head of Dow Jones Indexes research and the head of CME Group Inc. research. The Averages Committee was created in March 2010, when Dow Jones Indexes became part of CME Group Index Services, LLC, a joint venture company owned 90% by CME Group Inc. and 10% by Dow Jones & Company. Generally, composition changes occur only after mergers, corporate acquisitions or other dramatic shifts in a component's core business. When such an event necessitates that one component be replaced, the entire index is reviewed. As a result, when changes are made they typically involve more than one component. While there are no rules for component selection, a stock typically is added only if it has an excellent reputation, demonstrates sustained growth, is of interest to a large number of investors and accurately represents the sector(s) covered by the average.
Changes in the composition of the INDU are made entirely by the Averages Committee without consultation with the corporations represented in the INDU, any stock exchange, any official agency or us. Unlike most other indices, which are reconstituted according to a fixed review schedule, constituents of the INDU are reviewed on an as-needed basis. Changes to the common stocks included in the INDU tend to be made infrequently, and the underlying stocks of the INDU may be changed at any time for any reason. The companies currently represented in the INDU are incorporated in the United States and its territories and their stocks are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
The INDU initially consisted of 12 common stocks and was first published in the WSJ in 1896. The INDU was increased to include 20 common stocks in 1916 and to 30 common stocks in 1928. The number of common stocks in the INDU has remained at 30 since 1928, and, in an effort to maintain continuity, the constituent corporations represented in the INDU have been changed on a relatively infrequent basis. Nine main groups of companies constitute the INDU, with the approximate sector weights of the INDU as of September 29, 2017 indicated in parentheses: Technology (30.1%); Health Care (15.2%); Financials (11.7%); Industrials (10.4%); Consumer Services (9.6%), Oil & Gas (9.3%); Consumer Goods (7.7%); Telecommunications (3.3%); and Basic Materials (2.6%).
Computation of the INDU
The level of the INDU is the sum of the primary exchange prices of each of the 30 component stocks included in the INDU, divided by a divisor that is designed to provide a meaningful continuity in the level of the INDU. Because the INDU is price-weighted, stock splits or changes in the component stocks could result in distortions in the INDU level. In order to prevent these distortions related to extrinsic factors, the divisor is periodically changed in accordance with a mathematical formula that reflects adjusted proportions within the INDU. The current divisor of the INDU is published daily in the WSJ and other publications. In addition, other statistics based on the INDU may be found in a variety of publicly available sources.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-10 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
The following table presents the listing symbol, industry group, price per share, and component stock weight for each of the top 10 component stocks in the Index based on publicly available information on October 17, 2017.
Issuer of Component Stock | Symbol | Industry | Component Stock Weight |
The Boeing Company | BA | Aerospace | 7.74% |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | GS | Investment Services | 7.07% |
3M Company | MMM | Diversified Industrials | 6.52% |
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated | UNH | Health Care Providers | 6.10% |
McDonald's Corporation | MCD | Restaurants & Bars | 4.95% |
The Home Depot, Inc. | HD | Home Improvement Retailers | 4.89% |
Apple Inc. | AAPL | Computer Hardware | 4.80% |
International Business Machines Corporation | IBM | Computer Services | 4.39% |
Johnson & Johnson | JNJ | Pharmaceuticals | 4.22% |
Caterpillar Inc. | CAT | Machinery | 3.91% |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-11 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the INDU in the period from January 1, 2008 through October 17, 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 October 17, 2017, the closing level of the INDU was 22,997.44.
Historical Performance of the INDU
This historical data on the INDU is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the INDU or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the INDU during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the INDU 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 INDU.
License Agreement
S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. “Standard & Poor’s®” “S&P 500®” and “S&P®” are trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been sublicensed for certain purposes by our affiliate, MLPF&S. The INDU is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by MLPF&S.
The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the INDU to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to MLPF&S with respect to the INDU is the licensing of the INDU and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The INDU is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to us, MLPF&S, or the notes. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take our needs, BAC’s needs or the needs of MLPF&S or holders of the notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the INDU. S&P Dow Jones Indices are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the notes or the timing of the issuance or sale of the notes or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the notes are to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes. There is no assurance that investment products based on the INDU will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and its subsidiaries are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or futures contract within an INDU is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security or futures contract, nor is it considered to be investment advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may independently issue and/or sponsor financial products unrelated to the notes currently being issued by us, but which may be similar to and competitive with the notes. In addition, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may trade financial products which are linked to the performance of the INDU. It is possible that this trading activity will affect the value of the notes.
S&P DOW JONES INDICES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDU OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, BAC, MLPF&S, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDU OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MLPF&S, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-12 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
The EURO STOXX 50® Index
The SX5E was created by STOXX Limited (“STOXX”), which is part of the Deutsche Börse Group. Publication of the SX5E began in February 1998, based on an initial index level of 1,000 at December 31, 1991. On March 1, 2010, STOXX announced the removal of the “Dow Jones” prefix from all of its indices, including the SX5E.
Index Composition and Maintenance
The SX5E is composed of 50 component stocks of market sector leaders from within the 19 EURO STOXX® Supersector indices, which represent the Eurozone portion of the STOXX Europe 600® Supersector indices.
The composition of the SX5E is reviewed annually, based on the closing stock data on the last trading day in August. The component stocks are announced on the first trading day in September. Changes to the component stocks are implemented on the third Friday in September and are effective the following trading day. Changes in the composition of the SX5E are made to ensure that the SX5E includes the 50 market sector leaders from within the EURO STOXX® Index.
The free float factors for each component stock used to calculate the SX5E, as described below, are reviewed, calculated, and implemented on a quarterly basis and are fixed until the next quarterly review.
SX5E is also reviewed on an ongoing monthly basis. Corporate actions (including initial public offerings, mergers and takeovers, spin-offs, delistings, and bankruptcy) that affect the SX5E composition are announced immediately, implemented two trading days later and become effective on the next trading day after implementation.
Calculation of the SX5E
The SX5E is calculated with the “Laspeyres formula,” which measures the aggregate price changes in the component stocks against a fixed base quantity weight. The formula for calculating the SX5E value can be expressed as follows:
SX5E = | Free float market capitalization of the SX5E | |
Divisor |
The “free float market capitalization of the SX5E” is equal to the sum of the products of the price, the number of shares, the free float factor and the weighting cap factor for each component stock as of the time the SX5E is being calculated.
The SX5E is also subject to a divisor, which is adjusted to maintain the continuity of the index values across changes due to corporate actions, such as the deletion and addition of stocks, the substitution of stocks, stock dividends, and stock splits.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-13 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the SX5E in the period from January 1, 2008 through October 17, 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 October 17, 2017, the closing level of the SX5E was 3,607.77.
Historical Performance of the SX5E
This historical data on the SX5E is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the SX5E or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the SX5E during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the SX5E 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 SX5E.
License Agreement
One of our affiliates has entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with STOXX providing for the license to it and certain of its affiliated companies, including us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by STOXX (including the SX5E) in connection with certain securities, including the notes offered hereby.
The license agreement requires that the following language be stated in this document:
STOXX and its licensors (the “Licensors”) have no relationship to us, other than the licensing of the SX5E and the related trademarks for use in connection with the notes. STOXX and its Licensors do not:
● | sponsor, endorse, sell, or promote the notes; |
● | recommend that any person invest in the notes offered hereby or any other securities; |
● | have any responsibility or liability for or make any decisions about the timing, amount, or pricing of the notes; |
● | have any responsibility or liability for the administration, management, or marketing of the notes; or |
● | consider the needs of the notes or the holders of the notes in determining, composing, or calculating the SX5E, or have any obligation to do so. |
STOXX and its Licensors will not have any liability in connection with the notes. Specifically:
● | STOXX and its Licensors do not make any warranty, express or implied, and disclaims any and all warranty concerning: |
● | the results to be obtained by the notes, the holders of the notes or any other person in connection with the use of the SX5E and the data included in the SX5E; |
● | the accuracy or completeness of the SX5E and its data; |
● | the merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose or use of the SX5E and its data; |
● | STOXX and its Licensors will have no liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions in the SX5E or its data; and |
● | Under no circumstances will STOXX be liable for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages or losses, even if STOXX or its Licensors know that they might occur. |
The licensing agreement discussed above is solely for our benefit and that of STOXX, and not for the benefit of the holders of the notes or any other third parties.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-14 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index
The MXEF is intended to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The MXEF is a free float—adjusted market capitalization index with a base date of December 31, 1987 and an initial value of 100. The MXEF is calculated daily in U.S. dollars and published in real time every 60 seconds during market trading hours. The MXEF has a base value of 100.00 and a base date of December 31, 1987. As of September 29, 2017, the MXEF consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
As of September 29, 2017, the five largest country weights were China (29.55%), South Korea (14.97%), Taiwan (11.51%), India (8.41%), and Brazil (7.56%) and the five largest sector weights were Information Technology (27.59%), Financials (23.4%), Consumer Discretionary (10.29%), Materials (7.22%) and Energy (6.79%).
Each of the MXEF and the MXEF 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 the index sponsor 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 the index sponsor’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. The index sponsor 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.
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. The index sponsor 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
The index sponsor 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 the index sponsor’s methodology which became effective in May 2008, maintenance of the indices falls into three broad categories:
● | 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; |
● | 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 |
● | 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. |
Based on these reviews, additional components may be added, and current components may be removed, at any time. The index sponsor 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.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates, or MLPF&S, accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of, or for any error, omission, or disruption in, the MSCI Indices. The index sponsor does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-15 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
MSCI Indices or any data included in the MSCI Indices. The index sponsor assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or disruption in the calculation and dissemination of the MSCI Indices. The index sponsor disclaims all responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and dissemination of the MSCI Indices or the manner in which the MSCI Indices is applied in determining the amount payable on the notes at maturity.
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. The index sponsor reserves the right to use an alternative pricing source on any given day.
Exchange Rates
The index sponsor uses the closing spot rates published by WM / Reuters at 4:00 p.m., London time. The index sponsor 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. The index sponsor 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 the index sponsor 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, the index sponsor 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 MXEF in the period from January 1, 2008 through October 17, 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 October 17, 2017, the closing level of the MXEF was 1,125.66.
Historical Performance of the MXEF
This historical data on the MXEF is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the MXEF or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the MXEF during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the MXEF 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 MXEF.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-16 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
License Agreement
Our right to use the MSCI Indices in connection with the notes is subject to a license agreement between us and MSCI. In connection with that license, please note the following:
THE NOTES ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD, OR PROMOTED BY MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING, OR CREATING THE MSCI INDICES (COLLECTIVELY, THE “MSCI PARTIES”). THE MSCI INDICES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDICES ARE SERVICE MARKS OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED TO US FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. THE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN PASSED ON BY ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES AS TO THEIR LEGALITY OR SUITABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY AND NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY WARRANTIES OR BEARS ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE NOTES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO US OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN ANY SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THIS OFFERING 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, TO US, TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF US OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING, OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDICES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES 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 AMOUNT THAT MAY BE PAID AT MATURITY ON THE NOTES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO US OR TO OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR, OFFERING OF THE NOTES.
● |
Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest
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.
MLPF&S, a broker-dealer subsidiary of BAC, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and will participate as selling agent in the distribution of the notes. Accordingly, offerings of the notes will conform to the requirements of Rule 5121 applicable to FINRA members. MLPF&S may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the account holder.
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 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, neither we nor any of our affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price, or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we or any of our 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 will be based on MLPF&S’s estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S or another of our 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.
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. |
The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Basket. The related guarantees are BAC’s obligations. As is the case for all of our and BAC’s respective debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our and BAC’s actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because market-linked notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us and BAC, BAC typically borrows the funds under these types of notes at a rate that is more favorable to BAC than the rate that it might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security. This rate, which we refer to in this term sheet as BAC’s internal funding rate, is typically lower than the rate BAC would pay when it issues conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. 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 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 our other 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 and BAC’s 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 LIRNs” beginning on page PS-7 and “Use of Proceeds” on page PS-17 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1.
Summary Tax Consequences
You should consider the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including the following:
■ | There is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the notes. |
■ | You agree with us (in the absence of an administrative determination, or judicial ruling to the contrary) to characterize and treat the notes for all tax purposes as a single financial contract with respect to the Basket. |
■ | Under this characterization and tax treatment of the notes, a U.S. Holder (as defined beginning on page 50 of the prospectus) generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon maturity or upon a sale or exchange of the notes prior to maturity. This capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the notes for more than one year. |
■ | No assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with this characterization and tax treatment. |
■ | Under current Internal Revenue Service guidance, withholding on “dividend equivalent” payments (as discussed in the product supplement), if any, will not apply to notes that are issued as of the date of this term sheet unless such notes are “delta-one” instruments. |
You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws. You should review carefully the discussion (including the opinion of our counsel, Morrison & Foerster LLP) under the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-27 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES LIRN-1.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-17 |
Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to a Global Equity Index Basket, due November , 2022 |  |
Where You Can Find More Information
We and BAC have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents relating to this offering that we and BAC have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us, BAC 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.
“Leveraged Index Return Notes®” and “LIRNs®” are BAC’s registered service marks.
Leveraged Index Return Notes® | TS-18 |