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Subject to Completion
Preliminary Term Sheet
dated December 22, 2017
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration Statement No. 333-215597 (To Prospectus dated February 1, 2017, Prospectus Supplement dated February 13, 2017 and Product Prospectus Supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated February 23, 2017) |
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Units
$10 principal amount per unit CUSIP No.  |
Pricing Date*
Settlement Date* Maturity Date* |
January , 2018
February , 2018 January , 2021 |
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*Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the "pricing date")
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index
§ Maturity of approximately three years, if not called prior to maturity
§ Automatic call of the notes per unit at $10 plus the applicable Call Premium ([$1.25 to $1.35] on the first Observation Date, and [$2.50 to $2.70] on the final Observation Date) if the Index is flat or increases above 100% of the Starting Value on the relevant Observation Date
§ The Observation Dates will occur approximately one year and two years after the pricing date
§ If the notes are not called, at maturity:
§ a return of 30% if the Index is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value
§ a return equal to the percentage increase in the Index if the Index increases above the Step Up Value
§ 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Index, with up to 100% of your principal at risk
§ All payments are subject to the credit risk of The Bank of Nova Scotia
§ No periodic interest payments
§ In addition to the underwriting discount set forth below, the notes include a hedging-related charge of $0.075 per unit. See "Structuring the Notes"
§ Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing
§ The notes are unsecured debt securities and are not savings accounts or insured deposits of a bank. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "CDIC"), the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), or any other governmental agency of Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction
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The notes are being issued by The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and beginning on page PS-7 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.33 and $9.59 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
_________________________
None of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
_________________________
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Per Unit
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Total
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Public offering price(1)
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$ 10.00
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$
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Underwriting discount(1)
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$ 0.20
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$
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Proceeds, before expenses, to BNS
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$ 9.80
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$
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(1)
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For any purchase of 500,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investor’s household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below.
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The notes:
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Are Not FDIC Insured
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Are Not Bank Guaranteed
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May Lose Value
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Merrill Lynch & Co.
January , 2018
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Summary
The Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the CDIC or the FDIC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BNS. The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the Observation Level of the Market Measure, which is the EURO STOXX 50® Index (the “Index”), is equal to or greater than the Call Level on the relevant Observation Date. If the notes are not called, at maturity, the notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Index is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the level of the Index above the 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. Any payments on the notes will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Index, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Call Premiums and Call Amounts) are based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.
On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This range of estimated values was determined by reference to our internal pricing models, which take into consideration certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date and our assumptions about market parameters. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see "Structuring the Notes" on page TS-12.
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Terms of the Notes
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Issuer:
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The Bank of Nova Scotia ("BNS")
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Call Settlement Dates:
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Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement if the related Observation Date is postponed, as described on page PS-20 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Principal Amount:
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$10.00 per unit
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Call Premiums:
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[$1.25 to $1.35] per unit if called on the first Observation Date (which represents a return of [12.50% to 13.50%] over the principal amount) and [$2.50 to $2.70] per unit if called on the final Observation Date (which represents a return of [25.00% to 27.00%] over the principal amount).
The actual Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date.
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Term:
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Approximately three years, if not called
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Ending Value:
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The closing level of the Market Measure on the calculation day. The scheduled calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-21 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Market Measure:
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The EURO STOXX 50® Index (Bloomberg symbol: "SX5E"), a price return index
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Step Up Value:
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130% of the Starting Value.
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Starting Value:
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The closing level of the Market Measure on the pricing date
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Step Up Payment:
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$3.00 per unit, which represents a return of 30% over the principal amount.
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Observation Level:
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The closing level of the Market Measure on the applicable Observation Date.
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Threshold Value:
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100% of the Starting Value.
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Observation Dates:
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On or about January , 2019 and January , 2020, approximately one and two years after the pricing date. The Observation Dates are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-20 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Calculation Day:
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Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date.
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Call Level:
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100% of the Starting Value
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Fees and Charges:
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The underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in "Structuring the Notes" on page TS-12.
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Call Amounts (per Unit):
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[$11.25 to $11.35] if called on the first Observation Date and [$12.50 to $12.70] if called on the final Observation Date.
The actual Call Amounts will be determined on the pricing date.
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Calculation Agent:
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S").
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Determining Payment on the Notes
Automatic Call Provision
The notes will be called automatically on an Observation Date if the Observation Level on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the applicable Call Premium.
Redemption Amount Determination
If the notes are not automatically called, on the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
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§
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Product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated February 23, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000110465917011241/a17-4372_4424b5.htm |
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§
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Prospectus supplement dated February 13, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000110465917008642/a17-4372_1424b3.htm |
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§
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Prospectus dated February 1, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000119312517027656/d338678d424b3.htm |
These documents (together, the “Note Prospectus”) have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from MLPF&S by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BNS.
Investor Considerations
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You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:
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The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:
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§ You are willing to receive a return on your investment capped at the applicable Call Premium if the relevant Observation Level is equal to or greater than the Call Level.
§ You anticipate that the notes will be automatically called or that the Index will not decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You are willing to risk a substantial loss of principal and return if the notes are not automatically called and the Index decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities.
§ You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index.
§ You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes.
§ You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount.
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§ You want to hold your notes for the full term.
§ You believe that the notes will not be automatically called and the Index will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.
§ You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital.
§ You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.
§ You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Index.
§ You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market.
§ You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.
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We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values. The graph below shows a payout profile at maturity, which would only apply if the notes are not called on any Observation Date.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Threshold Value of 100% of the Starting Value, the Step Up Payment of $3.00 per unit and the Step Up Value of 130% 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 Index, excluding dividends.
This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only.
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The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes, assuming the notes are not called on any Observation Date. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100, a hypothetical Threshold Value of 100, a hypothetical Step Up Value of 130, the Step Up Payment of $3.00 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Ending Value, Step Up Value, whether the notes are called on an Observation Date, and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
For recent actual levels of the Market Measure, see "The Index" section below. The Index is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
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Ending Value
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Percentage Change from the Starting Value to the Ending Value
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Redemption Amount per Unit
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Total Rate of Return on the Notes
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0.00
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-100.00%
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$0.00
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-100.00%
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50.00
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-50.00%
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$5.00
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-50.00%
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70.00
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-30.00%
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$7.00
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-30.00%
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80.00
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-20.00%
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$8.00
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-20.00%
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90.00
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-10.00%
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$9.00
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-10.00%
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95.00
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-5.00%
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$9.50
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-5.00%
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100.00(1)(2)
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0.00%
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$13.00(3)
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30.00%
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102.00
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2.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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105.00
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5.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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110.00
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10.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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120.00
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20.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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130.00(4)
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30.00%
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$13.00
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30.00%
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140.00
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40.00%
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$14.00
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40.00%
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143.00
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43.00%
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$14.30
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43.00%
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150.00
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50.00%
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$15.00
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50.00%
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160.00
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60.00%
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$16.00
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60.00%
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(1)
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The hypothetical Starting Value of 100 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for the Market Measure.
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(2)
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This is the hypothetical Threshold Value.
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(3)
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This amount represents the sum of the principal amount and the Step Up Payment of $3.00.
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(4)
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This is the hypothetical Step Up Value.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Redemption Amount Calculation Examples
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Example 1
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The Ending Value is 90.00, or 90.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Threshold Value:
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100.00
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Ending Value:
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90.00
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Redemption Amount per unit
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Example 2
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The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Step Up Value:
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130.00
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Ending Value:
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110.00
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Redemption Amount per unit, the principal amount plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value.
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Example 3
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The Ending Value is 143.00, or 143.00% of the Starting Value:
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Starting Value:
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100.00 | |
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Step Up Value:
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130.00
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Ending Value:
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143.00
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Redemption Amount per unit
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Risk Factors
There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-7 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1, page S-2 of the prospectus supplement, and page 6 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
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§
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If the notes are not automatically called, depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.
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§
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Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.
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§
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If the notes are called, your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium.
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§
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Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.
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§
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Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.
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§
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Our initial estimated value of the notes will be lower than the public offering price of the notes. Our initial estimated value of the notes is only an estimate. The public offering price of the notes will exceed our initial estimated value because it includes costs associated with selling and structuring the notes, as well as hedging our obligations under the notes with a third party, which may include MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. These costs include the underwriting discount and an expected hedging related charge, as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12.
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§
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Our initial estimated value of the notes does not represent future values of the notes and may differ from others’ estimates. Our initial estimated value of the notes is determined by reference to our internal pricing models when the terms of the notes are set. These pricing models consider certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date, the expected term of the notes, market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, and our assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are different from our initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any of our assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the market value of the notes could change significantly based on, among other things, the performance of the Index, changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways. Our initial estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any agents would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time.
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§
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Our initial estimated value is not determined by reference to credit spreads or the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. The internal funding rate used in the determination of our initial estimated value of the notes generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities and the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities. If we were to use the interest rate implied by the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, or the borrowing rate we would pay for our conventional fixed-rate debt securities, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate for the notes would have an adverse effect on the economic terms of the notes, the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date, and the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market.
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§
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A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.
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§
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Your return on the notes may be affected by factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes within the Eurozone. The Eurozone is and has been undergoing severe financial stress, and the political, legal and regulatory ramifications are impossible to predict. Changes within the Eurozone could adversely affect the performance of the Index and, consequently, the value of the notes. In addition, you will not obtain the benefit of any increase in the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar, which you would have received if you had owned the securities in the Index during the term of your notes, although the level of the Index may be adversely affected by general exchange rate movements in the market.
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§
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Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Index), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.
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§
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The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that may adversely affect its level and your interests, and the Index sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests.
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§
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You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included in the Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.
|
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
|
|
|
§
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While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Index, we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Index, and have not verified any disclosure made by any other company.
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§
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There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is MLPF&S. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.
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§
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The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” below.
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§
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The conclusion that no portion of the interest paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note will be “Participating Debt Interest” subject to Canadian withholding tax is based in part on the current published administrative position of the CRA. There cannot be any assurance that CRA’s current published administrative practice will not be subject to change, including potential expansion in the current administrative interpretation of Participating Debt Interest subject to Canadian withholding tax. If, at any time, the interest paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note is subject to Canadian withholding tax, you will receive an amount that is less than the Redemption Amount. You should consult your own adviser as to the potential for such withholding and the potential for reduction or refund of part or all of such withholding, including under any bilateral Canadian tax treaty the benefits of which you may be entitled. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes, see “Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” below, “Canadian Taxation—Debt Securities” on page 50 of the prospectus dated February 1, 2017, and “Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page PS-29 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Other Terms of the Notes
The provisions of this section supersede and replace the definition of “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
Market Measure Business Day
A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:
(A) the Eurex (or any successor) is open for trading; and
(B) the Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.
|
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
|
|
The Index
All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding the Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, STOXX Limited (“STOXX” or the “Index sponsor”). The Index sponsor, which owns the copyright and all other rights to the Index, has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of the Index sponsor discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-22 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.
General
The Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 50 European blue-chip stocks in 11 Eurozone countries. Publication of the Index began on February 26, 1998, based on an initial Index value of 1,000 at December 31, 1991. The level of the Index is disseminated on, and additional information about the Index is published on, the STOXX website. Information contained in the STOXX website is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered a part of, this term sheet.
As of November 30, 2017, the top ten industry sectors which comprise the Index represent the following weights in the Index: Banks (15.4%), Industrial Goods & Services (10.7%), Chemicals (9.0%), Personal & Household Goods (9.0%), Technology (7.3%), Insurance (7.0%), Health Care (6.9%), Oil & Gas (6.3%), Automobiles & Parts (5.3%) and Utilities (5.3%). As of November 30, 2017, the eight countries which comprise the Index represent the following weights therein: France (36.6%), Germany (33.3%), Spain (10.2%), Netherlands (10.1%), Italy (4.9%), Belgium (3.0%), Finland (1.0%) and Ireland (1.0%).
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 Index 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 Index components are subject to a capped maximum index weight of 10%, which is applied on a quarterly basis.
The composition of the Index is reviewed annually, based on the closing stock data on the last trading day in August. Changes in the composition of the Index are made to ensure that the Index includes the 50 market sector leaders from within the Index.
The Index is subject to a “fast exit rule.” The Index components are monitored for any changes based on the monthly selection list ranking. A stock is deleted from the Index if: (a) it ranks 75 or below on the monthly selection list and (b) it ranked 75 or below on the selection list of the previous month. 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 Index 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 at the end of February, May, August or November and (b) it ranks within the “lower buffer” (ranks 1-25) on this selection list.
The Index is also reviewed on an ongoing basis. Corporate actions (including initial public offerings, mergers and takeovers, spin-offs, delistings, and bankruptcy) that affect the Index 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 Index 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 Index value can be expressed as follows:
Index = free float market capitalization of the Index at the time
divisor of the Index at the time
The “free float market capitalization of the Index” is equal to the sum of the products of the closing price, number of shares, free float factor, and weighting cap factor for the component company as of the time that the Index is being calculated.
The Index is calculated using a divisor that helps to maintain the continuity of the Index’s value so that corporate actions do not artificially increase or decrease the level of the Index. The divisor of the Index is adjusted to maintain the continuity of the Index’s values across changes due to corporate actions, such as cash dividends, rights offerings, stock dividends from treasury shares, repurchases of shares and self-tender, and spin-offs.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index in the period from January 1, 2008 through December 15, 2017. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On December 15, 2017, the closing level of the Index was 3,560.53.
Historical Performance of the Index
This historical data on the Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the Index.
License Agreement
BNS has entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with STOXX, which grants BNS a license in exchange for a fee to use the Index in connection with the issuance of certain securities, including the notes.
STOXX has no relationship to BNS, other than the licensing of the Index and its service marks 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 financial products;
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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; and
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consider the needs of the notes or the owners of the notes in determining, composing or calculating the Index or have any obligation to do so.
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STOXX will not have any liability in connection with the notes. Specifically, STOXX does not make any warranty, express or implied, and STOXX disclaims any warranty about:
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the results to be obtained by the notes, the owner of the notes or any other person in connection with the use of the Index and the data included in the Index;
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the accuracy or completeness of the Index or its data;
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the merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose or use of the Index or its data;
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any errors, omissions or interruptions in the Index or its data; and
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any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages or losses, even if STOXX knows that they might occur.
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The licensing relating to the use of the Index and trademark referred to above by BNS will be solely for the benefit of BNS, and not for any other third parties.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount.
We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than two business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than two business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to MLPF&S acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions. At MLPF&S’s discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Index and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, or any of our respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.
The value of the notes shown on your account statement produced by MLPF&S will be based on MLPF&S’s estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S or another of its affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do. That estimate will be based upon the price that MLPF&S may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding BNS or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:
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the investor’s spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse’s parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor;
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a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; and
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a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account.
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Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees (“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).
Please contact your Merrill Lynch financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Structuring the Notes
The notes are our unsecured senior debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Index. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the market-linked note is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable maturity. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.
Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Index, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see “Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to the Notes” beginning on page PS-7 and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-17 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
An investor should read carefully the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under “Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus relevant to a holder (as defined on page 19 of the prospectus) owning debt securities, and the description of principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under “Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the applicable product prospectus supplement.
Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general description of certain U.S. federal tax considerations relating to the notes. Prospective purchasers of the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences under the tax laws of the country of which they are residents for tax purposes and the tax laws of the U.S. of acquiring, holding and disposing of the notes and receiving payments under the notes. This summary is based upon the law as in effect on the date of this pricing supplement and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date. We urge you to read the more detailed discussion in the “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” section beginning on page PS-30 of product prospectus supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment in the notes (and of having agreed to the required tax treatment of your notes described below) and as to the application of state, local or other tax laws to your investment in your notes and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.
We will not attempt to ascertain whether any entity the stock of which is included in the Index would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If any such entity were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply to U.S. holders upon the taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of the notes. You should refer to information filed with the SEC or an equivalent governmental authority by such entities and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if such entity is or becomes a PFIC.
Pursuant to the terms of the notes, BNS and you agree, in the absence of a statutory, regulatory, administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your notes as a pre-paid derivative contract with respect to the reference asset. If your notes are so treated, you should generally recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you hold your notes for more than one year (and otherwise, short-term capital gain or loss) upon the sale, exchange, redemption, automatic call or maturity of your notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount you paid for your notes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
However, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could assert that your holding period in respect of your notes should end on the date on which the amount you are entitled to receive upon maturity or automatic call of your notes is determined, even though you will not receive any amounts from the issuer in respect of your notes prior to the maturity or automatic call of your notes. In such case, you may be treated as having a holding period in respect of your notes prior to the maturity or automatic call of your notes, and such holding period may be treated as less than one year even if you receive cash upon the maturity or automatic call of your notes at a time that is more than one year after the beginning of your holding period.
In the opinion of our counsel, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, it would be reasonable to treat your notes in the manner described above. However, because there is no authority that specifically addresses the tax treatment of the notes, it is possible that your notes could alternatively be treated for tax purposes as a single contingent payment debt instrument or pursuant to some other characterization, such that the timing and character of your income from the notes could differ materially from the treatment described above.
Possible Change in Law. In 2007, the IRS released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the notes. According to the notice, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department are actively considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, and they are seeking taxpayer comments on the subject. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the notes will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Code should be applied to such instruments.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. holders that are individuals or estates and certain trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust, which may include any income or gain with respect to the notes, to the extent of their net investment income or undistributed net investment income (as the case may be) that, when added to their other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return, or the dollar amount at which the highest tax bracket begins for an estate or trust (which, in 2017, is $12,500). The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the regular income tax. U.S. holders should consult their advisors with respect to the 3.8% Medicare tax.
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Specified Foreign Financial Assets. U.S. holders may be subject to reporting obligations with respect to their notes if they do not hold their notes in an account maintained by a financial institution and the aggregate value of their notes and certain other “specified foreign financial assets” (applying certain attribution rules) exceeds $50,000. Significant penalties can apply if a U.S. holder is required to disclose its notes and fails to do so.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. The proceeds received from a sale, exchange, redemption, automatic call or maturity of the notes will be subject to information reporting unless you are an “exempt recipient” and may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code if you fail to provide certain identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer number, if you are a U.S. holder) or meet certain other conditions.
Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holders. This section applies only if you are a non-U.S. holder. For these purposes, you are a non-U.S. holder if you are the beneficial owner of the notes and are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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a non-resident alien individual;
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a foreign corporation; or
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an estate or trust that, in either case, is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on income or gain from the notes.
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If you are a non-U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) and FATCA, you should generally not be subject to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your notes if you comply with certain certification and identification requirements as to your foreign status including providing us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) a properly executed and fully completed applicable IRS Form W-8. Subject to Section 871(m) discussed below, gain from the sale, exchange or redemption of the notes, automatic call or settlement at maturity generally will not be subject to U.S. tax unless such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by you in the U.S. or unless you are a non-resident alien individual and are present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of such sale, exchange or settlement and certain other conditions are satisfied.
Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax (which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing U.S. equity securities. The withholding tax can apply even if the instrument does not provide for payments that reference dividends. Treasury regulations provide that the withholding tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one (“delta one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016 and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on all other specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2018.
Based on our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” with respect to the Index or any U.S. Index components, our counsel is of the opinion that the notes should not be delta one specified equity-linked instruments and thus should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. Our determination is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this determination. Furthermore, the application of Section 871(m) of the Code will depend on our determinations made upon issuance of the notes. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.
Nevertheless, after issuance, it is possible that your notes could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Index or Index components or your notes, and following such occurrence your notes could be treated as delta one specified equity-linked instruments that are subject to withholding on dividend equivalents. It is also possible that withholding tax or other tax under Section 871(m) of the Code could apply to the notes under these rules if a non-U.S. holder enters, or has entered, into certain other transactions in respect of the Index or Index components or the notes. A non-U.S. holder that enters, or has entered, into other transactions in respect of the Index or Index components or the notes should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to its notes in the context of its other transactions.
Because of the uncertainty regarding the application of the 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents to the notes, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the 30% withholding tax to an investment in the notes.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders. A note may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual non-U.S. holder holds the note at the time of his or her death. The gross estate of a non-U.S. holder domiciled outside the U.S. includes only property situated in the U.S. Individual non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the notes at death.
FATCA. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) was enacted on March 18, 2010, and imposes a 30% U.S. withholding tax on “withholdable payments” (i.e., certain U.S.-source payments, including interest (and original issue discount), dividends, other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S.-source interest or dividends) and “passthru payments” (i.e., certain payments attributable to withholdable payments) made to certain foreign financial institutions (and certain of their affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees (or is required), among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account at the institution (or the relevant affiliate) and to annually report certain information about such account. FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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substantial U.S. owners (or do not certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Pursuant to final and temporary Treasury regulations and other IRS guidance, the withholding and reporting requirements under FATCA will generally apply to certain “withholdable payments” made on or after July 1, 2014, certain gross proceeds on a sale or disposition occurring after December 31, 2018, and certain foreign passthru payments made after December 31, 2018 (or, if later, the date that final regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payment” are published). If withholding is required, we (or the applicable paying agent) will not be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the amounts so withheld. Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Investors should consult their own advisors about the application of FATCA, in particular if they may be classified as financial institutions (or if they hold their notes through a non-U.S. entity) under the FATCA rules.
Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction (including that of the issuers of the stocks included in the Index and BNS).
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due January , 2021
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Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product prospectus supplement, a prospectus supplement and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.
Market-Linked Investments Classification
MLPF&S classifies certain market-linked investments (the “Market-Linked Investments”) into categories, each with different investment characteristics. The following description is meant solely for informational purposes and is not intended to represent any particular Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investment or guarantee any performance.
Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investments are short- to medium-term investments that offer you a way to enhance exposure to a particular market view without taking on a similarly enhanced level of market downside risk. They can be especially effective in a flat to moderately positive market (or, in the case of bearish investments, a flat to moderately negative market). In exchange for the potential to receive better-than market returns on the linked asset, you must generally accept market downside risk and capped upside potential.
As these investments are not market downside protected, and do not assure full repayment of principal at maturity, you need to be prepared for the possibility that you may lose all or part of your investment.