Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-202354
(To Prospectus dated May 1, 2015,
Prospectus Supplement dated May 4, 2015 and
Product Supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1 dated May 4, 2015)
814,845 Units$10 principal amount per unitCUSIP No. 06053Y439
Pricing Date
Settlement Date
Maturity Date
January 6, 2016
January 13, 2016
March 31, 2017
Accelerated Return Notes® Linked to an International Equity Index Basket
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Maturity of approximately 14 months
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3-to-1 upside exposure to increases in the Basket, subject to a capped return of 13.83%
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The Basket is comprised of the S&P 100® Index, the EURO STOXX 50® Index, and the Nikkei Stock Average Index. The S&P 100® Index was given an initial weight of 70%, the EURO STOXX 50® Index was given an initial weight of 20%, and the Nikkei Stock Average Index was given an initial weight of 10%
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1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Basket, with 100% of your investment at risk
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All payments occur at maturity and are subject to the credit risk of Bank of America Corporation
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No periodic interest payments
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Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing
The notes are being issued 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 and beginning on page PS-6 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is $9.59 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-17 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.
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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.
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Per Unit
Total
Public offering price
$10.00
$8,148,450.00
Underwriting discount
$0.20
$162,969.00
Proceeds, before expenses, to BAC
$9.80
$7,985,481.00
The notes:
Are Not FDIC Insured
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
May Lose Value
Merrill Lynch & Co.
January 6, 2016
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
Summary
The Accelerated Return Notes® Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or secured by collateral. The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BAC. The notes provide you a leveraged return, subject to a cap, if the Ending Value of the Market Measure, which is the international equity index basket described below (the “Basket”), is greater than its Starting Value. 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 Basket, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The Basket is comprised of the S&P 100® Index, the EURO STOXX 50® Index and the Nikkei Stock Average Index (each, a “Basket Component”). On the pricing date, the S&P 100® Index was given an initial weight of 70%, the EURO STOXX 50® Index was given an initial weight of 20%, and the Nikkei Stock Average Index was given an initial weight of 10%.
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 or floating rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, reduced 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 is greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.
On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value for the notes. This initial estimated value was determined based on our and our affiliates’ pricing models, which take into consideration our internal funding rate and the market prices for the hedging arrangements related to the notes. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-17.
Terms of the Notes
Redemption Amount Determination
Issuer:
Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”)
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:
An international equity index basket comprised of the S&P 100® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “OEX”), the EURO STOXX 50® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SX5E”), and the Nikkei Stock Average Index (Bloomberg symbol: “NKY”). Each Basket Component is a price return index.
Starting Value:
100.00
Ending Value:
The average of the values 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 on page PS-21 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.
Participation Rate:
300%
Capped Value:
$11.383 per unit, which represents a return of 13.83% over the principal amount.
Maturity Valuation Period:
March 22, 2017, March 23, 2017, March 24, 2017, March 27, 2017 and March 28, 2017
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-17.
Calculation Agent:
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a subsidiary of BAC.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-2
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
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Product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1 dated May 4, 2015:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312515168280/d918996d424b5.htm
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Series L MTN prospectus supplement dated May 4, 2015 and prospectus dated May 1, 2015:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312515167979/d865347d424b3.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 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 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:
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You anticipate that the value of the Basket will increase moderately from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
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You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the value of the Basket decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
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You accept that the return on the notes will be capped.
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You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities.
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You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Basket Components.
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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.
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You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount.
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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.
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You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital.
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You seek an uncapped return on your investment.
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You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.
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You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Basket Components.
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You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market.
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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 an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
Accelerated Return Notes®
This graph reflects the returns on the notes based on the Participation Rate of 300% and the Capped Value of $11.383 per unit. 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 Participation Rate of 300%, the Capped Value of $11.383 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Ending Value, 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
Total Rate of Return on the Notes
0.00
-100.00%
$0.000
-100.00%
50.00
-50.00%
$5.000
-50.00%
80.00
-20.00%
$8.000
-20.00%
90.00
-10.00%
$9.000
-10.00%
94.00
-6.00%
$9.400
-6.00%
97.00
-3.00%
$9.700
-3.00%
100.00(1)
0.00%
$10.000
0.00%
102.00
2.00%
$10.600
6.00%
105.00
5.00%
$11.383(2)
13.83%
110.00
10.00%
$11.383
13.83%
120.00
20.00%
$11.383
13.83%
130.00
30.00%
$11.383
13.83%
140.00
40.00%
$11.383
13.83%
150.00
50.00%
$11.383
13.83%
160.00
60.00%
$11.383
13.83%
(1) The Starting Value was set to 100.00 on the pricing date.
(2) The Redemption Amount per unit cannot exceed the Capped Value.
For recent hypothetical levels of the Basket, see “The Basket” section below. For recent actual levels of the Basket Components, see “The Basket Components” section below. Each Basket Component is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in any of the Basket Components, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-4
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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
= $8.000 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
= $10.600 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
= $19.000, however, because the Redemption Amount for the notes cannot exceed the Capped Value, the Redemption Amount will be $11.383 per unit
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-5
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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 supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1, page S-5 of the Series L MTN prospectus supplement, and page 9 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
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Depending on the performance of the Basket as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.
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Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.
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Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.
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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 Basket Components.
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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, our 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.
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The public offering price you pay for the notes exceeds 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 level of the Basket, our 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-17. 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.
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The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, MLPF&S or any of our 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 creditworthiness and changes in market conditions.
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A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.
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Our business activities as a full service financial institution, including our commercial and investment banking activities, our hedging and trading activities (including trades in shares of companies included in the Basket Components) and any hedging and trading activities we engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.
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Changes in the level of one of the Basket Components may be offset by changes in the levels of the other Basket Components.
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The index sponsors may adjust their respective Basket Components in a way that affects their levels, and have no obligation to consider your interests.
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You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included in the Basket Components, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.
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While we or our affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Basket Components, except to the extent that our common stock is included in the S&P 100® Index, we do not control any company included in any Basket Component, and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.
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Your return on the notes may be affected by factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes in the countries represented by the SX5E and the NKY. In addition, you will not obtain the benefit of any increase in the value of the currencies in which the securities in these Basket Components trade against the U.S. dollar which you would have received if you had owned the securities in these Basket Components during the term of your notes, although the value of the Basket may be adversely affected by general exchange rate movements in the market.
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There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-6
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary Tax Consequences” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-24 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-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 ARN-1 dated May 4, 2015.
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 S&P 100® Index), the Eurex (as to the EURO STOXX 50® Index), and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (as to the Nikkei Stock Average 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.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-7
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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 was 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 ARNs-Basket Market Measures” beginning on page PS-19 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.
On the pricing date, for each Basket Component, the Initial Component Weight, the closing level, the Component Ratio and the initial contribution to the Basket value were as follows:
Basket Component
Bloomberg Symbol
Initial Component Weight
Closing Level(1)
Component Ratio(2)
Initial Basket Value Contribution
S&P 100® Index
OEX
70.00
886.78
0.07893728
70.00
EURO STOXX 50® Index
SX5E
20.00
3,139.32
0.00637081
20.00
Nikkei Stock Average Index
NKY
10.00
18,191.32
0.00054971
10.00
Starting Value
100.00
(1)
These were the closing levels of the Basket Components on the pricing date.
(2)
Each 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 the pricing date 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 “Description of ARNs—Basket Market Measures—Ending Value of the Basket" on page PS-21 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-8
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
While actual historical information on the Basket did not exist before the pricing date, the following graph sets forth the hypothetical historical performance of the Basket from January 1, 2008 through January 6, 2016. 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
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-9
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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, the index sponsors. The index sponsors, which license the copyright 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 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1 on page PS-19 entitled “Description of ARNs—Discontinuance of an Index.” Neither we nor MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of the Basket Components or any successor indices.
The S&P 100® Index
The S&P 100® Index (the “OEX”) is published by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“SPDJI”) and is a subset of the S&P 500® Index (the “SPX”). SPDJI’s U.S. Index Committee, which oversees the SPX and other S&P U.S. equity indices, also maintains the OEX.
The OEX was introduced in 1983 and comprises 100 leading U.S. stocks with exchange-listed options. Constituents of the OEX are generally among the largest and most established companies in the SPX. To be included in the OEX, a company must maintain exchange-listed options, be a U.S. company (determined by reference to location of operations, corporate structure, accounting standards, and exchange listings, and have a market capitalization in excess of the minimum capitalization requirements of the SPX, have a public float of at least 50%, have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings and a ratio of annual dollar value traded to float adjusted market capitalization of at least 1.00. Continued inclusion is not necessarily subject to these guidelines, as SPDJI strives to minimize unnecessary turnover in membership in the OEX and each removal is determined on a case-by-case basis. A substantial violation of one or more of the inclusion criteria, often through merger, acquisition, or restructuring activity, is a criterion for removal. The sector balance of the OEX is maintained in line with the sector composition of the SPX. SPDJI calculates the OEX by reference to the prices of the constituent stocks of the OEX without taking account of the value of dividends paid on those stocks. As a result, the return on the notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the OEX constituent stocks and received the dividends paid on those stocks.
As of September 4, 2012, 82 companies included in the OEX traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and 18 companies included in the OEX traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market. Ten main groups of companies constitute the OEX, with the approximate percentage of the market capitalization of the OEX included in each group as of December 31, 2015 indicated in parentheses: Information Technology (24.7%); Health Care (15.6%); Financials (14.7%); Consumer Discretionary (12.2%); Consumer Staples (11.1%); Industrials (9.2%); Energy (6.9%); Telecommunication Services (3.5%); Materials (1.4%); and Utilities (0.6%). SPDJI from time to time, in its sole discretion, may add companies to, or delete companies from, the OEX to achieve the objectives stated above.
The S&P 500® Index
The SPX is intended to provide an indication of the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the level of the SPX is based on the relative value of the aggregate market value of the common stocks of 500 companies as of a particular time compared to the aggregate average market value of the common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941 through 1943.
SPDJI chooses companies for inclusion in the SPX with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of its Stock Guide Database of over 10,000 companies, which SPDJI uses as an assumed model for the composition of the total market. Relevant criteria employed by SPDJI include the viability of the particular company, the extent to which that company represents the industry group to which it is assigned, the extent to which the market price of that company’s common stock generally is responsive to changes in the affairs of the respective industry, and the market value and trading activity of the common stock of that company.
SPDJI calculates the SPX by reference to the prices of the constituent stocks of the SPX without taking account of the value of dividends paid on those stocks.
Computation of the SPX
While SPDJI currently employs the following methodology to calculate the SPX, no assurance can be given that SPDJI will not modify or change this methodology in a manner that may affect the Redemption Amount.
Historically, the market value of any component stock of the SPX was calculated as the product of the market price per share and the number of then outstanding shares of such component stock. In March 2005, SPDJI began shifting the SPX halfway from a market capitalization weighted formula to a float-adjusted formula, before moving the SPX to full float adjustment on September 16, 2005. SPDJI’s criteria for selecting stocks for the SPX did not change with the shift to float adjustment. However, the adjustment affects each company’s weight in the SPX.
Under float adjustment, the share counts used in calculating the SPX reflect only those shares that are available to investors, not all of a company’s outstanding shares. Float adjustment excludes shares that are closely held by control groups, other publicly traded companies or government agencies.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-10
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
In September 2012, all shareholdings representing more than 5% of a stock’s outstanding shares, other than holdings by “block owners,” were removed from the float for purposes of calculating the SPX. Generally, these “control holders” will include officers and directors, private equity, venture capital and special equity firms, other publicly traded companies that hold shares for control, strategic partners, holders of restricted shares, ESOPs, employee and family trusts, foundations associated with the company, holders of unlisted share classes of stock, government entities at all levels (other than government retirement/pension funds) and any individual person who controls a 5% or greater stake in a company as reported in regulatory filings. However, holdings by block owners, such as depositary banks, pension funds, mutual funds and ETF providers, 401(k) plans of the company, government retirement/pension funds, investment funds of insurance companies, asset managers and investment funds, independent foundations and savings and investment plans, will ordinarily be considered part of the float.
Treasury stock, stock options, restricted shares, equity participation units, warrants, preferred stock, convertible stock, and rights are not part of the float. Shares held in a trust to allow investors in countries outside the country of domicile, such as depositary shares and Canadian exchangeable shares are normally part of the float unless those shares form a control block. If a company has multiple classes of stock outstanding, shares in an unlisted or non-traded class are treated as a control block.
For each stock, an investable weight factor (“IWF”) is calculated by dividing the available float shares by the total shares outstanding. As of September 21, 2012, available float shares are defined as the total shares outstanding less shares held by control holders. This calculation is subject to a 5% minimum threshold for control blocks. For example, if a company’s officers and directors hold 3% of the company’s shares, and no other control group holds 5% of the company’s shares, SPDJI would assign that company an IWF of 1.00, as no control group meets the 5% threshold. However, if a company’s officers and directors hold 3% of the company’s shares and another control group holds 20% of the company’s shares, SPDJI would assign an IWF of 0.77, reflecting the fact that 23% of the company’s outstanding shares are considered to be held for control. For companies with multiple classes of stock, SPDJI calculates the weighted average IWF for each stock using the proportion of the total company market capitalization of each share class as weights.
The SPX is calculated using a base-weighted aggregate methodology. The level of the SPX reflects the total market value of all 500 component stocks relative to the base period of the years 1941 through 1943. An indexed number is used to represent the results of this calculation in order to make the level easier to work with and track over time. The actual total market value of the component stocks during the base period of the years 1941 through 1943 has been set to an indexed level of 10. This is often indicated by the notation 1941-43 = 10. In practice, the daily calculation of the SPX is computed by dividing the total market value of the component stocks by the “index divisor.” By itself, the index divisor is an arbitrary number. However, in the context of the calculation of the SPX, it serves as a link to the original base period level of the SPX. The index divisor keeps the SPX comparable over time and is the manipulation point for all adjustments to the SPX, which is index maintenance.
Index Maintenance
The index maintenance includes monitoring and completing the adjustments for company additions and deletions, share changes, stock splits, stock dividends, and stock price adjustments due to company restructuring or spinoffs. Some corporate actions, such as stock splits and stock dividends, require changes in the common shares outstanding and the stock prices of the companies in the SPX, and do not require index divisor adjustments.
To prevent the level of the SPX from changing due to corporate actions, corporate actions which affect the total market value of the SPX require an index divisor adjustment. By adjusting the index divisor for the change in market value, the level of the SPX remains constant and does not reflect the corporate actions of individual companies in the SPX. Index divisor adjustments are made after the close of trading and after the calculation of the index closing level.
Changes in a company’s shares outstanding of 5.00% or more due to mergers, acquisitions, public offerings, tender offers, Dutch auctions, or exchange offers are made as soon as reasonably possible. All other changes of 5.00% or more (due to, for example, company stock repurchases, private placements, redemptions, exercise of options, warrants, conversion of preferred stock, notes, debt, equity participation units, at the market offerings, or other recapitalizations) are made weekly and are announced on Fridays for implementation after the close of trading on the following Friday. Changes of less than 5.00% due to a company’s acquisition of another company in the SPX are made as soon as reasonably possible. All other changes of less than 5.00% are accumulated and made quarterly on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December, and are usually announced two to five days prior.
Changes in IWFs of more than five percentage points caused by corporate actions (such as merger and acquisition activity, restructurings, or spinoffs) will be made as soon as reasonably possible. Other changes in IWFs will be made annually when IWFs are reviewed.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-11
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the OEX in the period from January 1, 2008 through January 6, 2016. 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 the pricing date, the closing level of the OEX was 886.78.
Historical Performance of the OEX
This historical data on the OEX is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the OEX or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the OEX during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the OEX 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 OEX.
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 100® Index”, “S&P 500® Index”, and “S&P®” are trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been sublicensed for certain purposes by our subsidiary, MLPF&S. The Index 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 Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to MLPF&S with respect to the Index is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The Index 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 or the needs of MLPF&S or holders of the notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. 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 Index 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 index 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 Index. 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 INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-12
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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, MLPF&S, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX 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 POSSIBLITY 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.”
The EURO STOXX 50® Index
The EURO STOXX 50® Index (the “SX5E”) was created by STOXX Limited, a joint venture between Deutsche Börse AG and SIX Group AG (“STOXX”). 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
For each of the 19 EURO STOXX regional supersector indices, the stocks are ranked in terms of free-float market capitalization. The largest stocks are added to the selection list until the coverage is close to, but still less than, 60% of the free-float market capitalization of the corresponding supersector index. If the next highest-ranked stock brings the coverage closer to 60% in absolute terms, then it is also added to the selection list. All current stocks in the SX5E are then added to the selection list. All of the stocks on the selection list are then ranked in terms of free-float market capitalization to produce the final index selection list. The largest 40 stocks on the selection list are selected; the remaining 10 stocks are selected from the largest remaining current stocks ranked between 41 and 60; if the number of stocks selected is still below 50, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until there are 50 stocks. In exceptional cases, STOXX’s management board can add stocks to and remove them from the selection list.
The SX5E components are subject to a capped maximum index weight of 10%, which is applied on a quarterly basis.
The composition of the SX5E is reviewed annually, based on the closing stock data on the last trading day in August. 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.
The SX5E is subject to a “fast exit rule.” The SX5E components are monitored for any changes based on the monthly selection list ranking. A stock is deleted from the SX5E if: (a) it ranks 75 or below on the monthly selection list and (b) it has been ranked 75 or below for a consecutive period of two months in the monthly selection list. The highest-ranked stock that is not an index component will replace it. Changes will be implemented on the close of the fifth trading day of the month, and are effective the next trading day.
The SX5E is also subject to a “fast entry rule.” All stocks on the latest selection lists and initial public offering (IPO) stocks are reviewed for a fast-track addition on a quarterly basis. A stock is added, if (a) it qualifies for the latest STOXX blue-chip selection list generated end of February, May, August or November and (b) it ranks within the “lower buffer” on this selection list.
The SX5E is also reviewed on an ongoing basis. Corporate actions (including initial public offerings, mergers and takeovers, spin-offs, delistings, and bankruptcy) that affect the SX5E composition are immediately reviewed. Any changes are announced, implemented, and effective in line with the type of corporate action and the magnitude of the effect.
Index Calculation
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:
The “free float market capitalization of the Index” is equal to the sum of the product of the closing price, number of shares outstanding, free float factor, and 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 SX5E values across changes due to corporate actions, such as the deletion and addition of stocks, the substitution of stocks, stock dividends, and stock splits.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates, including the selling agent, accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of, or for any error, omission, or disruption in, the SX5E or any successor to the SX5E. STOXX does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the SX5E or any data included in the SX5E. STOXX assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or disruption in the calculation and dissemination of the SX5E. STOXX disclaims all responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and dissemination of the SX5E or the manner in which the SX5E is applied in determining the amount payable on the notes at maturity.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-13
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the SX5E in the period from January 1, 2008 through January 6, 2016. 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 the pricing date, the closing level of the SX5E was 3,139.32.
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
We have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with STOXX providing for the license to us and certain of our affiliated or subsidiary companies, 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.
The license agreement between us and STOXX requires that the following language be stated in this term sheet:
STOXX has no relationship to us, other than the licensing of the SX5E and the related trademarks for use in connection with the notes. STOXX does not:
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sponsor, endorse, sell, or promote the notes;
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recommend that any person invest in the notes or any other securities;
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have any responsibility or liability for or make any decisions about the timing, amount, or pricing of the notes;
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have any responsibility or liability for the administration, management, or marketing of the notes; or
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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 will not have any liability in connection with the notes. Specifically:
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STOXX does not make any warranty, express or implied, and disclaims any and all warranty concerning:
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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;
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the accuracy or completeness of the SX5E and its data;
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the merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose or use of the SX5E and its data;
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STOXX will have no liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions in the SX5E or its data; and
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Under no circumstances will STOXX be liable for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages or losses, even if STOXX knows that they might occur.
The licensing agreement between us and STOXX is solely for their benefit and our benefit, and not for the benefit of the holders of the notes or any other third parties.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-14
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
The Nikkei Stock Average Index
The Nikkei Stock Average Index (the “NKY”), also known as the Nikki 225 Index, is an equity index calculated, published, and disseminated by Nikkei Inc. The NKY measures the composite price performance of selected Japanese stocks. The NKY is currently based on 225 stocks (each, an “Index Stock”) trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (“TSE”) and represents a broad cross-section of Japanese industry. All 225 of the Index Stocks are listed in the First Section of the TSE. Index Stocks listed in the First Section are among the most actively traded stocks on the TSE. The NKY started on September 7, 1950. However, it was retroactively calculated back to May 16, 1949, when the TSE reopened for the first time after World War II.
Calculation of the NKY
The NKY is a modified, price-weighted index. Each Index Stock’s weight is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer. Nikkei Inc. calculates the NKY by multiplying the per share price of each Index Stock by the corresponding weighting factor for that Index Stock (a “Weight Factor”), calculating the sum of all these products and dividing that sum by a divisor. The divisor is subject to periodic adjustments as set forth below. Each Weight Factor is computed by dividing 50 by the presumed par value of the relevant Index Stock, so that the share price of each Index Stock when multiplied by its Weight Factor corresponds to a share price based on a uniform par value of 50. Each Weight Factor represents the number of shares of the related Index Stock which are included in one trading unit of the NKY. The stock prices used in the calculation of the NKY are those reported by a primary market for the Index Stocks, currently the TSE. The level of the NKY is currently calculated once per 15 seconds during TSE trading hours.
In order to maintain continuity in the level of the NKY in the event of certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the Index Stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, stock splits, or increase in paid-in capital, the divisor used in calculating the NKY is adjusted in a manner designed to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of the NKY. The divisor remains at the new value until a further adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. In the event of a change affecting any Index Stock, the divisor is adjusted in such a way that the sum of all share prices immediately after the change multiplied by the applicable Weight Factor and divided by the new divisor, i.e., the level of the NKY immediately after the change, will equal the level of the NKY immediately prior to the change.
Index Maintenance
The NKY is reviewed annually at the beginning of October. The purpose of the review is to maintain the representative nature of the Index Stocks. Stocks with high market liquidity are added and those with low liquidity are deleted. At the same time, to take changes in industry structure into account, the balance of the sectors, in terms of the number of constituents, is considered. Liquidity of a stock is assessed by the two measures: “trading value” and “magnitude of price fluctuation by volume,” which is calculated as (high price/low price) / volume. Among stocks on the TSE First Section, the top 450 stocks in terms of liquidity are selected to form the “high liquidity group”. Those constituents that are not in the high liquidity group are deleted. Those non-constituent stocks which are in the top 75 of the high liquidity group are added.
After the liquidity deletions and additions, constituents are deleted and added to balance the number of constituents among sectors, and to make the total number of the constituents equal 225. Among the 450 “high liquidity” stocks, half of those that belong to a sector are designated as the “appropriate number of stocks” for that sector. The actual number of constituents in a sector is then compared with its “appropriate number,” and if the actual number is larger or smaller than the “appropriate number,” then components are deleted or added, as necessary. Stocks to be deleted are selected from stocks with lower liquidity and stocks to be added are selected from stocks with higher liquidity. Stocks selected according to the foregoing procedures are candidates for addition or deletion, as applicable, and the final determinations will be made by Nikkei Inc.
The NKY is also reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to extraordinary developments, such as bankruptcies or mergers. Any stock becoming ineligible for listing in the TSE First Section due to any of the following reasons will be removed from the NKY: (i) bankruptcy and liquidation events; (ii) corporate restructurings, such as mergers, share exchanges or share transfers; (iii) excess debt or other reasons; or (iv) transfer to the TSE Second Section. In addition, a component stock designated as “security under supervision” becomes a deletion candidate. However, the decision to delete such a candidate will be made by examining the sustainability and the probability of delisting for each individual case. Upon deletion of a stock from the NKY, Nikkei Inc. will generally select as a replacement the most liquid stock that is both in the “high liquidity group” and in the same sector as the deleted stock. When deletions are known in advance, replacements may be selected as part of the periodic review process or by using similar procedures.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange
The TSE is one of the world’s largest securities exchanges in terms of market capitalization. Trading hours for most products listed on the TSE are currently from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and from 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Tokyo time, Monday through Friday.
Due to the time zone difference, on any normal trading day, the TSE will close prior to the opening of business in New York City on the same calendar day. Therefore, the closing level of the NKY on a trading day will generally be available in the U.S. by the opening of business on the same calendar day.
The TSE has adopted certain measures, including daily price floors and ceilings on individual stocks, intended to prevent any extreme short-term price fluctuations resulting from order imbalances. In general, any stock listed on the TSE cannot be traded at a price lower than the applicable price floor or higher than the applicable price ceiling. These price floors and ceilings are expressed in absolute Japanese yen, rather than percentage limits based on the closing price of the stock on the previous trading day. In addition, when there is a major order imbalance in a listed stock, the TSE posts a “special bid quote” or a “special asked quote” for that stock at a specified higher or lower price level than the stock’s last sale price in order to solicit counter-orders and balance supply and demand for the stock. The TSE may also suspend the trading of individual stocks in certain limited and extraordinary circumstances, including, for example,
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-15
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
unusual trading activity in that stock. As a result, changes in the NKY may be limited by price limitations or special quotes, or by suspension of trading, on individual stocks that make up the NKY, and these limitations, in turn, may adversely affect the market value of the notes.
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the NKY in the period from January 1, 2008 through January 6, 2016. 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 the pricing date, the closing level of the NKY was 18,191.32.
Historical Performance of the NKY
This historical data on the NKY is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the NKY or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the NKY during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the NKY 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 NKY.
License Agreement
We expect to enter into an agreement with Nikkei Inc. providing us with a non-exclusive license with the right to use the NKY in exchange for a fee. The NKY is the intellectual property of Nikkei Inc. (“Nikkei”), formerly known as Nihon Keizai Shimbum, Inc. "Nikkei", "Nikkei Stock Average", and "Nikkei 225" are the service marks of Nikkei Inc. Nikkei Inc. reserves all the rights, including copyright, to the NKY.
The notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed or promoted by Nikkei. Nikkei does not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the results to be obtained as to the use of the NKY or the figure as which the NKY stands at any particular day or otherwise. The NKY is compiled and calculated solely by Nikkei. However, Nikkei shall not be liable to any person for any error in the NKY and Nikkei shall not be under any obligation to advise any person, including a purchaser or seller of the notes, of any error therein.
In addition, Nikkei gives no assurance regarding any modification or change in any methodology used in calculating the NKY and is under no obligation to continue the calculation, publication and dissemination of the NKY.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-16
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
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 will 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, 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 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.
Structuring the Notes
The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Basket. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because market-linked notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us, we typically borrow the funds under these notes at a rate that is more favorable to us than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security. This rate, which we refer to in this term sheet as our internal funding rate, is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue 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, resulted 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 its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Basket Components, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see “Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to ARNs” beginning on page PS-6 and “Use of Proceeds” on page PS-15 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-17
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
Summary Tax Consequences
You should consider the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including the following:
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There is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the notes.
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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.
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Under this characterization and tax treatment of the notes, a U.S. Holder (as defined beginning on page 99 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.
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No assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with this characterization and tax treatment.
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Recently finalized Treasury regulations provide that withholding on “dividend equivalent” payments (as discussed in the product supplement), if any, will not apply to notes issued before January 1, 2017. Additionally, the IRS has announced that withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (as discussed in the prospectus) on payments of gross proceeds from a sale or redemption of the notes will only apply to payments made after December 31, 2018.
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 under the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-24 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES ARN-1.
Validity of the Notes
In the opinion of McGuireWoods LLP, as counsel to BAC, when the trustee has made an appropriate entry on Schedule 1 to the Master Registered Global Senior Note, dated May 1, 2015 (the “Master Note”) identifying the notes offered hereby as supplemental obligations thereunder in accordance with the instructions of BAC and the notes have been delivered against payment therefor as contemplated in this Note Prospectus, all in accordance with the provisions of the indenture governing the notes, such notes will be legal, valid and binding obligations of BAC, subject to the effect of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency (including laws related to preferences, fraudulent transfers and equitable subordination), reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and to general principles of equity. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the Delaware General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing). In addition, this opinion is subject to the assumption that the trustee’s certificate of authentication of the Master Note has been manually signed by one of the trustee’s authorized officers and to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture governing the notes, the validity, binding nature and enforceability of the indenture governing the notes with respect to the trustee, the legal capacity of natural persons, the genuineness of signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as copies thereof, the authenticity of the originals of such copies and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of McGuireWoods LLP dated February 27, 2015, which has been filed as an exhibit to BAC’s Registration Statement relating to the notes filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2015.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-18
Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to an International Equity Index Basket, due March 31, 2017
Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S 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 our registered service marks.
Accelerated Return Notes®
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