424B2 1 ef20016365_424b2.htm PRELIMINARY TERM SHEET

 
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Term Sheet
Dated December 12, 2023
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-261476
(To Prospectus dated December 29, 2021,
Prospectus Supplement dated December 29, 2021
and Product Supplement EQUITY ARN-1 dated February 2, 2022)


Units
$10 principal amount per unit
CUSIP No.
Pricing Date*
Settlement Date*
Maturity Date*
December   , 2023
December   , 2023
December   , 2026

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

 
       

Accelerated Return Notes® Linked to the Best-
Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000®
Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
       Maturity of approximately three years
       2-to-1 leveraged upside exposure to increases in the Best-Performing Market Measure, subject to a capped return of [25.00% to 29.00%]
       1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Best-Performing Market Measure, with up to 100.00% of your principal at risk
       All payments occur at maturity and are subject to the credit risk of The Bank of Nova Scotia
       No periodic interest payments
       In addition to the underwriting discount set forth below, the notes include a hedging-related charge of $0.075 per unit. See “Structuring the Notes”
       Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing
       The notes are unsecured debt securities and are not savings accounts or insured deposits of a bank. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “CDIC”), the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), or any other governmental agency of Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction

      
The notes are being issued by The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet, “Additional Risk Factors” on page TS-7 of this term sheet and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.07 and $9.37 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-22 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.


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



Per Unit
Total
Public offering price(1)
$10.000
$
Underwriting discount(1)
$0.225
$
Proceeds, before expenses, to BNS
$9.775
$

(1)
For any purchase of 300,000 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 $9.950 per unit and $0.175 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below.
The notes:
Are Not FDIC Insured
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
May Lose Value

BofA Securities
December   , 2023

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Summary
The Accelerated Return Notes® Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026 (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 are not bail-inable debt securities (as defined in the prospectus). The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BNS. The notes provide you a leveraged return, subject to a cap, if the Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure (as defined below), which will be one of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® (each an “Index” and collectively the “Indices”), is greater than its Starting Value. If the Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure is equal to its Starting Value, you will receive the principal amount of your notes. If the Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure is less than its 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 Best-Performing Market Measure, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Capped Value) are based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.
On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This range of estimated values was determined by reference to our internal pricing models, which take into consideration certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date and our assumptions about market parameters. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-22.

Terms of the Notes
 
Issuer:
 
The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”)
 
Principal Amount:
 
$10.00 per unit
 
Term:
 
Approximately three years
 
Market Measure:
 
The best-performing of the S&P 500® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SPX”), the Russell 2000® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “RTY”) and the Nasdaq-100 Index® (Bloomberg symbol: “NDX”), each a price return index
 
Best-Performing
Market Measure:
 
The Index with the highest index return.
 
The “index return” means, with respect to an Index, an amount (expressed as a percentage, which may be positive or negative) calculated as follows:
Ending Value – Starting Value
Starting Value
 
Starting Value:
 
With respect to each Index, its closing level on the pricing date
 
Ending Value:
 
With respect to each Index, its closing level on the calculation day occurring during the Maturity Valuation Period. The scheduled calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-24 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1 and “Other Terms of the Notes” on page TS-7.
 
Participation
Rate:
 
200.00%
 
Capped Value:
 
[$12.50 to $12.90] per unit, which represents a return of [25.00% to 29.00%] over the principal amount. The actual Capped Value will be determined on the pricing date.
 
Maturity
Valuation Period:
 
Approximately the fifth scheduled trading day immediately prior to the maturity date.
 
Fees and
Charges:
 
The underwriting discount of $0.225 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-22.
 
Calculation
Agent:
 
BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”).
Redemption Amount Determination
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the accompanying product supplement, the Redemption Amount will be determined as set forth in this term sheet. On the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-2

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
Product supplement EQUITY ARN-1 dated February 2, 2022:
Prospectus supplement dated December 29, 2021:
Prospectus dated December 29, 2021:
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 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) or BofAS 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 ARN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BNS.
To the extent the determination of the Redemption Amount and other terms described in this term sheet are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus, the determination of the Redemption Amount and other terms described in this term sheet shall control.
Investor Considerations
You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:
You anticipate that at least one of the Indices will increase moderately from its Starting Value to its Ending Value.
You are willing to risk a substantial or entire loss of principal if the Best-Performing Market Measure decreases from its Starting Value to its Ending Value.
You accept that the return on the notes will be capped.
You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest-bearing debt securities.
You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in each 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.
The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:
You believe that all of the Indices will decrease from its Starting Value to its Ending Value or that it will not increase sufficiently over the term of the notes to provide you with your desired return.
You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital.
You seek an uncapped return on your investment.
You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.
You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in each Index.
You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market.
You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.
 
We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-3

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values.

 Accelerated Return Notes®
This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Participation Rate of 200.00% and a hypothetical Capped Value of $12.70 per unit (the midpoint of the Capped Value range of [$12.50 to $12.90] 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 Best-Performing Market Measure, excluding dividends.
This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only. We cannot predict which Index will be the Best-Performing Market Measure.

The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00 for the Best-Performing Market Measure, the Participation Rate of 200.00%, a hypothetical Capped Value of $12.70 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values of the Best-Performing Market Measure. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value and Ending Value of each Index (in particular, the Best-Performing Market Measure), the actual Capped Value and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
For recent actual levels of the Indices, see “The Indices” section below. Each Index is a price return index and as such the Ending Value of each Index will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in such Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
Ending Value of the Best
Performing Market Measure
Index Return of the Best
Performing Market Measure
Redemption Amount per
Unit
Total Rate of Return on the
Notes
0.00
-100.00%
$0.00
-100.00%
25.00
-75.00%
$2.50
-75.00%
50.00
-50.00%
$5.00
-50.00%
60.00
-40.00%
$6.00
-40.00%
70.00
-30.00%
$7.00
-30.00%
80.00
-20.00%
$8.00
-20.00%
90.00
-10.00%
$9.00
-10.00%
95.00
-5.00%
$9.50
-5.00%
100.00(1)
0.00%
$10.00
0.00%
102.00
2.00%
$10.40
4.00%
105.00
5.00%
$11.00
10.00%
110.00
10.00%
$12.00
20.00%
113.50
13.50%
$12.70(2)
27.00%
120.00
20.00%
$12.70
27.00%
130.00
30.00%
$12.70
27.00%
140.00
40.00%
$12.70
27.00%
150.00
50.00%
$12.70
27.00%

(1)
The hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00 for the Best-Performing Market Measure used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for any Index.
(2)
The Redemption Amount per unit cannot exceed the hypothetical Capped Value.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-4

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Redemption Amount Calculation Examples
Example 1
The Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure is 60.00, or 60.00% of its Starting Value:
Starting Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure:
100.00
Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure:
60.00
= $6.00 Redemption Amount per unit

Example 2
The Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure is 102.00, or 102.00% of its Starting Value:
Starting Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure:
100.00
Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure:
102.00
= $10.40 Redemption Amount per unit

Example 3
The Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure is 130.00, or 130.00% of its Starting Value:
Starting Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure:
100.00
Ending Value of the Best-Performing Market Measure:
130.00
= $16.00, however, because the Redemption Amount for the notes cannot exceed the Capped Value, the Redemption Amount will be $12.70 per unit

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-5

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
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 ARN-1, page S-2 of the prospectus supplement, and page 7 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors concerning an investment in the notes.
Structure-Related Risks

Depending on the performance of the Best-Performing Market Measure as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.

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

Your investment return is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Indices.
Market Measure-Related Risks

An Index sponsor may adjust its applicable Index in a way that may adversely affect its level and your interests, and such Index sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests.

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

While we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Indices, except to the extent that the common stock of Bank of America Corporation (the parent company of MLPF&S and BofAS) is included in the S&P 500® Index, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates control any company included in any Index, and have not verified any disclosure made by any other company.
Valuation- and Market-Related Risks

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 BofAS 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-22.

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 Indices, changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways. Our initial estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any agents would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time.

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

A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. None of us, MLPF&S or BofAS 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.
Conflict-Related Risks

Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S, BofAS and our and their respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Indices), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our or their respective affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value of, and return on, the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-6

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is BofAS. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.
General Credit-Related Risks

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.
Tax-Related Risks

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” below.

The conclusion that no portion of the interest paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note will be “Participating Debt Interest” subject to Canadian withholding tax is based in part on the current published administrative position of the CRA. There cannot be any assurance that CRA’s current published administrative practice will not be subject to change, including potential expansion in the current administrative interpretation of Participating Debt Interest subject to Canadian withholding tax. If, at any time, the interest paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on a note is subject to Canadian withholding tax, you will receive an amount that is less than the Redemption Amount. You should consult your own adviser as to the potential for such withholding and the potential for reduction or refund of part or all of such withholding, including under any bilateral Canadian tax treaty the benefits of which you may be entitled. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes, see “Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” below, “Canadian Taxation—Debt Securities” on page 66 of the prospectus and “Supplemental Discussion of Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page PS-36 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
Additional Risk Factors
The Best-Performing Market Measure may have poor performance and may not significantly outperform the lesser-performing Indices.
Although the Redemption Amount will be based on the performance of the Best-Performing Market Measure, that Index may nevertheless have poor performance. All of the Indices may experience significant declines, and the fact that the notes are linked to the Best-Performing Market Measure does not mean that you will receive a significant return or any positive return at all on the notes. Moreover, the Best-Performing Market Measure may not significantly outperform the lesser-performing Indices. There is no assurance that having exposure to the Best-Performing Market Measure will provide a meaningful benefit relative to having exposure to only one Index.
The notes are subject to risks associated with small-size capitalization companies.
The stocks composing the RTY are issued by companies with small-sized market capitalization. The stock prices of small-size companies may be more volatile than stock prices of large capitalization companies. Small-size capitalization companies may be less able to withstand adverse economic, market, trade and competitive conditions relative to larger companies. Small-size capitalization companies may also be more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products or services.
The notes are subject to risks associated with investments in securities linked to the value of non-U.S. equity securities.
Some of the equity securities composing the NDX are issued by non-U.S. companies. Investments in securities linked to the value of such non-U.S. equity securities, such as the notes, involve risks associated with the home countries of the issuers of those non-U.S. equity securities. The prices of securities in non-U.S. markets may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in those countries, or global regions, including changes in government, economic and fiscal policies and currency exchange laws.
Other Terms of the Notes
Business Day
A “business day” means a day which is a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City.
Market Disruption Events and Other Events
The following section shall supersede and replace the penultimate paragraph of “Description of ARNs—The Starting Value and the Ending Value” on page PS-22 in product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
If, with respect to an Index, (i) the scheduled calculation day is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise or (ii) there is a Market Disruption Event on that day, the closing level of such Index for the calculation day (and, therefore, the Ending Value) will be the closing level of such Index on the immediately succeeding Market Measure Business Day during which no Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing; provided that the Ending Value of such Index will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent on a date no later than the second scheduled Market Measure Business Day prior to the maturity date, regardless of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event or non-Market Measure Business Day on that second scheduled Market Measure Business Day.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-7

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
For the avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event or non-Market Measure Business Day as to an Index will not impact the other Index that is not so affected.
Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-8

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
The Indices
All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding the Indices, including, without limitation, their make-up, method of calculation, and changes in their components, have been derived from publicly available sources, without independent verification. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, each of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, the sponsor of the SPX, FTSE Russell, the sponsor of the RTY, and Nasdaq, Inc., the sponsor of the NDX (collectively, the “Index sponsors”). The Index sponsors, which license the copyright and all other rights to its applicable Index, have no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the applicable Index. The consequences of an Index sponsor discontinuing publication of its applicable Index are discussed in the section entitled “Description of ARNs — Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-26 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, MLPF&S, BofAS or our or their respective affiliates accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Index or any successor Index.

The S&P 500® Index
General
The Index includes a representative sample of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The Index is designed to provide a performance benchmark for the U.S. equity markets. The Index is calculated based on the relative value of the aggregate Market Value (as defined below) of the common stocks of 500 companies as of a particular time as 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. The “Market Value” of any index stock is the product of the market price per share times the number of the then outstanding shares of such index stock. The 500 companies are not the 500 largest companies listed on the NYSE and not all 500 companies are listed on such exchange. The Index sponsor chooses companies for inclusion in the Index with an aim of achieving a distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of the U.S. equity market.
Additional information (including sectors and sector weights and top constituents) is available on the Index sponsor’s website. (Sector designations are determined by the Index sponsor using criteria it has selected or developed. Different index sponsors may use very different standards for determining sector designations. In addition, many companies operate in a number of sectors, but are listed in only one sector and the basis on which that sector is selected may also differ. As a result, sector comparisons between indices with different index sponsors may reflect differences in methodology as well as actual differences in the sector composition of the indices.)
Calculation of the Index
The Index is calculated using a base-weighted aggregate methodology. The Index is a price return index. The value of the Index on any day for which an index value is published is determined by a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate of the market price of each stock in the Index multiplied by the float-adjusted number of shares of such stock included in the Index, and the denominator of which is the divisor, which is described more fully below.
The Index is also sometimes called a “base-weighted index” because of its use of a divisor. The “divisor” is a value calculated by the Index sponsor that is intended to maintain conformity in index values over time and is adjusted for all changes in the index stocks’ share capital after the “base date.” The level of the Index reflects the total market value of all index stocks relative to the index’s base date of 1941-43. The Index sponsor set the base value of the Index on the base date at 10.
Maintenance of the Index
In order to keep the Index comparable over time, the Index sponsor engages in an index maintenance process. The Index maintenance process involves changing the constituents, adjusting the number of shares used to calculate the Index, monitoring and completing the adjustments for company additions and deletions, adjusting for stock splits and stock dividends and adjusting for other corporate actions.
Divisor Adjustments
The two types of adjustments primarily used by the Index sponsor are divisor adjustments and adjustments to the number of shares (including float adjustments) used to calculate the Index. Set forth below is a table of certain corporate events and their resulting effect on the divisor and the share count. If a corporate event requires an adjustment to the divisor, that event has the effect of altering the market value of the affected index stock and consequently of altering the aggregate market value of the index stocks following the event. In order that the level of the Index not be affected by the altered market value (which could be an increase or decrease) of the affected index stock, the Index sponsor derives a new divisor by dividing the post-event market value of the index stocks by the pre-event index value, which has the effect of reducing the Index’s post-event value to the pre-event level.
Constituent Changes
Constituent changes are made on an as-needed basis and there is no schedule for constituent reviews. Constituent changes are generally announced one to five business days prior to the change. Relevant criteria for additions to the Index that are employed by the Index sponsor include an unadjusted market capitalization of $14.5 billion or more (as of July 5, 2023), adequate liquidity, reasonable price, U.S. domicile, listing on a major exchange, public float of 50% or more, industry sector, financial viability and, for IPOs, a seasoning period of six to twelve months. Stocks are deleted from the Index when they are involved in mergers, acquisitions or significant restructurings such that they no longer meet the inclusion criteria, and when they violate one or more of the inclusion criteria. Companies that experience a trading halt may be retained or deleted in the Index sponsor’s discretion. The Index sponsor evaluates additions and deletions with a view to maintaining Index continuity.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-9

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Changes to the Number of Shares of a Constituent
The index maintenance process also involves tracking the changes in the number of shares included for each of the index companies. The timing of adjustments to the number of shares depends on the type of event causing the change, public availability of data, local market practice, and whether the change represents more than 5% of the float-adjusted share count. Changes as a result of mergers or acquisitions are implemented as soon as reasonably possible, regardless of the size of the change to the number of shares. At the Index sponsor’s discretion, however, de minimis merger and acquisition changes may be accumulated and implemented with the updates made at the quarterly share updates as described below.
Changes that result from other corporate actions will be implemented as soon as practicable if the change to the float-adjusted share count is more than 5%. For smaller changes, on the third Friday of the last month in each calendar quarter, the Index sponsor updates the share totals of companies in the Index as required by any changes in the float-adjusted number of shares outstanding. The Index sponsor implements a share freeze the week leading up to the effective date of the quarterly share count updates. During this frozen period, shares are not changed except for certain corporate action events (merger activity, stock splits, rights offerings and certain share dividend payable events). After the float-adjusted share count totals are updated, the divisor is adjusted to compensate for the net change in the total market value of the Index. In addition, any changes over 5% in the current common shares outstanding for the index companies are carefully reviewed by the Index sponsor on a weekly basis, and when appropriate, an immediate adjustment is made to the divisor.
In addition, the Index is float-adjusted, meaning that the share counts used in calculating the Index reflect only those shares available to investors rather than all of a company’s outstanding shares. To this end, the Index sponsor defines three groups of shareholders whose holdings are presumed to be for control, rather than investment purposes. The groups are:

holdings by other publicly traded corporations, venture capital firms, private equity firms, or strategic partners or leveraged buyout groups;

holdings by government entities, including all levels of government within the United States or foreign countries, except for pension and retirement funds; and

holdings by current or former officers and directors of the company, funders of the company, or family trusts of officers, directors or founders. Second, holdings of trusts, foundations, pension funds, employee stock ownership plans or other investment vehicles associated with and controlled by the company.
In the case that any of these control groups hold 5% or more of a company’s stock, the shares of all three groups will be excluded from the float-adjusted share count to be used in Index calculations.
For each stock an Investable Weight Factor (“IWF”) is calculated:
IWF = (available float shares)/(total shares outstanding)
where available float shares is defined as total shares outstanding less shares held in one or more of the three groups listed above (subject to the 5% threshold).
Adjustments for Corporate Actions
There are a large range of corporate actions that may affect companies included in the Index. Certain corporate actions require the Index sponsor to recalculate the share count or the float adjustment or to make an adjustment to the divisor to prevent the value of the Index from changing as a result of the corporate action. This helps ensure that the movement of the Index does not reflect the corporate actions of individual companies in the Index. Several types of corporate actions, and their related adjustments, are listed in the table below.
Corporate Action
 
Share Count Revision Required?
 
Divisor Adjustment Required?

 
 
Stock split
 
Yes – share count is revised to reflect new count.
 
No – share count and price changes are off-setting
         
Change in shares outstanding (secondary issuance, share repurchase and/or share buy-back)
 
Yes – share count is revised to reflect new count
 
Yes – divisor adjustment reflects change in market capitalization
         
Spin-off if spun-off company is not being added to the Index
 
No
 
Yes – divisor adjustment reflects decline in index market value (i.e. value of the spun-off unit)
         
Spin-off if spun-off company is being added to the Index and no company is being removed
 
No
 
No

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Spin-off if spun-off company is being added to the Index and another company is being removed
 
No.
 
Yes – divisor adjustment reflects deletion
Special dividends
 
No.
 
Yes – calculation assumes that share price drops by the amount of the dividend; divisor adjustment reflects this change in index market value
         
Change in IWF
 
No
 
Yes – divisor change reflects the change in market value caused by the change to an IWF
         
Company added to or deleted from the Index
 
No.
 
Yes – divisor is adjusted by the net change in market value
         
Rights offering
 
No.
 
Yes – divisor adjustment reflects increase in market capitalization (calculation assumes that offering is fully subscribed at the set price)
Disruptions due to Exchange Closure
When an exchange is forced to close early due to unforeseen events, such as computer or electric power failures, weather conditions or other events, the Index sponsor will calculate the closing level of the Index based on (1) the closing prices published by the exchange, or (2) if no closing price is available, the last regular trade reported for each stock before the exchange closed. In all cases, the prices will be from the primary exchange for each stock in the Index. If an exchange fails to open due to unforeseen circumstances, the Index will use the prior day’s closing prices. If all exchanges fail to open, the Index sponsor may determine not to publish the Index for that day.
Historical Data
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the SPX in the period from January 1, 2013 through December 7, 2023. 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 7, 2023, the closing level of the SPX was 4,585.59.
Historical Performance of the SPX

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This historical data on the SPX is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the SPX or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the SPX during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the SPX 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 SPX.
License Agreement
S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. “Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P 500®” and “S&P®” are trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been sublicensed for certain purposes by us. The Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by us for a fee.
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 us 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, BofAS or the notes. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take our needs or the needs of 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 is not an investment advisor. 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 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, BOFAS, 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 POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND US, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.

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The Russell 2000® Index
General
The Index was developed by Russell Investments (“Russell”) before FTSE International Limited and Russell combined in 2015 to create FTSE Russell, which is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. The Index measures the composite price performance of stocks of 2,000 companies in the U.S. equity market. Additional information (including sectors and sector weights and top constituents) is available on the Index sponsor’s website. (Sector designations are determined by the Index sponsor using criteria it has selected or developed. Index sponsors may use very different standards for determining sector designations. In addition, many companies operate in a number of sectors, but are listed in only one sector and the basis on which that sector is selected may also differ. As a result, sector comparisons between indices with different index sponsors may reflect differences in methodology as well as actual differences in the sector composition of the indices.)
The Index includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities that form the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index is comprised of the 3,000 largest companies, or 98% based on market capitalization, of the investable U.S. equity market. The Index is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market.
Selection of Constituent Stocks of the Index
The Index is a sub-index of the Russell 3000® Index. To be eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, and, consequently, the Index, a company’s stocks must be listed on the last trading day of May of a given year and FTSE Russell must have access to documentation verifying the company’s eligibility for inclusion. Eligible initial public offerings are added to Russell U.S. Indices at the end of each calendar quarter, based on total market capitalization rankings within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. To be added to any Russell U.S. index during a quarter outside of reconstitution, initial public offerings must meet additional eligibility criteria.
A company is included in the U.S. equity markets and is eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, and consequently, the Index, if that company incorporates in, has its headquarters in and also trades with the highest liquidity (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume from all exchanges) in the United States or its territories. If a company satisfies any one of these criteria and the primary location of that company’s assets or its revenue, based on an average of two years of assets or revenues data, is also in the United States, that company will also be considered part of the U.S. equity market. In addition, if there is insufficient information to assign a company to the U.S. equity markets based on its assets or revenue, the company may nonetheless be assigned to the U.S. equity markets if the headquarters of the company is located in certain “benefit-driven incorporation countries,” or “BDIs,” and that company’s most liquid stock exchange is also in the United States. The BDI countries are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Turks and Caicos Islands. ADRs and ADSs are not eligible for inclusion in the Index.
Exclusions from the Index
FTSE Russell specifically excludes the following companies and securities from the Index: (i) preferred and convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants, rights, depositary receipts, installment receipts and trust receipts; (ii) royalty trusts, U.S. limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (companies that are required to report Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, as defined by the SEC, including business development companies), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies and limited partnerships; (iii) companies with a total market capitalization less than $30 million; (iv) companies with only a small portion of their shares available in the marketplace (companies with 5% or less float); (v) bulletin board, pink sheets or over-the-counter traded securities; (vi) companies that generate, or have historically generated, unrelated business taxable income and have not taken steps to block their unrelated business taxable income to equity holders; and (vii) exchange traded funds and mutual funds.
Initial List of Eligible Securities
The primary criterion FTSE Russell uses to determine the initial list of securities eligible for the Russell 3000® Index and consequently, the Index, is total market capitalization, which is calculated by multiplying the total outstanding shares for a company times the market price as of the “rank day” (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is announced each spring) in May. All common stock share classes are combined in determining market capitalization. If multiple share classes have been combined, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the last trading day of May of each year to be eligible for inclusion in the Index. In order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last trading day of May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices from their primary exchange during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00.
Annual Reconstitution
The Index is reconstituted annually by FTSE Russell to reflect changes in the marketplace. The list of companies is ranked based on total market capitalization on the rank day in May, with the actual reconstitution effective on the first trading day following the final Friday of June each year, unless the final Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, in which case reconstitution will be effective on the preceding Friday. Changes in the constituents are preannounced and subject to change if any corporate activity occurs or if any new information is received prior to release.

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Index Calculation and Capitalization Adjustments
As a capitalization-weighted index, the Index reflects changes in the capitalization, or market value, of the underlier stocks relative to the capitalization on a base date. This discussion describes the “price return” calculation of the Index. The current Index value is the compounded result of the cumulative daily (or monthly) return percentages, where the starting value of the Index is equal to the base value (100) and base date (December 31, 1978). Returns between any two dates can then be derived by dividing the ending period index value (IV1) by the beginning period (IV0) index value, so that the return equals [(IV1 / IV0) – 1] * 100. The ending period index value, for purposes of calculating the Index value, on any date is determined by adding the market values of the underlier stocks, which are derived by multiplying the primary closing price of each stock by the number of available shares, to arrive at the total market capitalization of the 2,000 stocks.
Constituent stocks of the Index are weighted in the Index by their free-float market capitalization, which is calculated by multiplying the primary closing price by the number of free-float shares. Free-float shares are shares that are available to the public for purchase as determined by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell determines shares available to the public for purchase based on information recorded in corporate filings with the SEC and other reliable sources in the event of missing or questionable data. FTSE Russell removes the following types of shares from total market capitalization to arrive at free-float market capitalization:
Officers and directors’ holdings — shares held by officers and directors.
Large private holdings — shares held by an individual, a group of individuals acting together or a corporation (that is included in the Index) if such holdings constitute 10% or more of the shares outstanding.
Institutional holdings — shares held by investment companies, partnerships, insurance companies, mutual funds or banks are excluded if the holding is greater than 30%. If a firm has a direct relationship to the company, such as board representation, they are considered strategic holdings and excluded regardless of the size of holding per the officers and directors’ exclusion rule.
Publicly listed companies — shares held by publicly listed companies. Holdings considered as Institutional will be considered as available unless the 30% threshold is surpassed, regardless of listing.
ESOP or LESOP shares — shares held by employee stock ownership plans and leveraged employee stock ownership plans.
Initial public offering lock-ups — shares locked-up during an initial public offering are not available to the public and will be excluded from the market value at the time the initial public offering enters the Index.
Government holdings — shareholdings listed as “government of.” Shares held by government investment boards and/or investment arms are treated like shares held by large private shareholdings and are excluded if the number of shares is greater than 10% of outstanding shares. Shares held by a government pension plan are considered institutional holdings and will not be excluded unless the holding is greater than 30%.
Corporate Actions Affecting the Index
FTSE Russell adjusts the Index on a daily basis in response to certain corporate actions and events. Therefore, a company’s membership in the Index and its weight in the Index can be impacted by these corporate actions. The adjustment is applied based on sources of public information, including press releases and SEC filings. Prior to the completion of a corporate action or event, FTSE Russell estimates the effective date. FTSE Russell will then adjust the anticipated effective date based on public information until the date is considered final. Depending on the time on a given day that an action is determined to be final, FTSE Russell will generally either (1) apply the action before the open on the ex-date or (2) apply the action after providing appropriate notice to its clients regarding the impact of the action and the effective date. FTSE Russell applies the following methodology guidelines when adjusting the Index in response to corporate actions and events:
“No Replacement” Rule — Securities that are deleted from the Index between reconstitution dates, for any reason (e.g., mergers, acquisitions or other similar corporate activity) are not replaced. Thus, the number of securities in the Index over the past year will fluctuate according to corporate activity.
Mergers and Acquisitions — Between constituents: When mergers and acquisitions take place between companies that are both constituents of a Russell index, the target company is deleted and its market capitalization simultaneously moves to the acquiring company’s stock. In the absence of an active market for the target company at the time of index implementation, the target company will be deleted from the Index using a synthetic price based on the offer terms. Given sufficient market hours after confirmation, FTSE Russell effects this action after the close on the last day of trade of the target company, or at an appropriate time once the transaction has been deemed to be final (implementation may occur prior to the last day of trade to avoid potential delays with the associated synthetic pricing).
Between a constituent and a non-constituent: If the target company is a member of the Index, it is deleted from the Index after FTSE Russell determines that the action or event is final. If the acquiring company is a member of the Index, its shares are adjusted by adding the target company’s market capitalization (if the increase in shares is greater than 5%). If the target company is not a member of a Russell index shares of the acquiring company will remain unchanged. If a non-index member acquires an index member, the acquired member will be deleted from the Index once the action is final.
Reincorporation — Members of the Index that reincorporate to another country and continue to trade in the United States and companies that reincorporate to the United States during the year are analyzed for assignment by FTSE Russell during annual reconstitution. Members that reincorporate in another country and no longer trade in the United States are immediately deleted from the Russell U.S. indices.

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Reclassification of shares (pricing vehicles) — Pricing vehicles will not be assessed or changed outside of a reconstitution period unless the existing class ceases to exist. In the event of extenuating circumstances signaling a necessary pricing vehicle change, proper notification will be made.
Rights Offerings — Rights offered to shareholders are reflected in the Index only if the subscription price of the rights is at a discount to the market price. Provided that FTSE Russell has been alerted to the rights offer prior to the ex-date, it will adjust the price of the stock for the value of the rights and increased shares according to the terms of the offering before the open on the ex-date. Where the Rights Issue / Entitlement offer subscription price remains unconfirmed on the ex-date, an estimated price will be used. FTSE Russell will estimate the subscription price using the value being raised and the offer terms. This treatment applies for both transferable and non-transferable rights. Rights issued as part of a poison pill arrangement or entitlements that give shareholders the right to purchase ineligible securities such as convertible debt are excluded from this treatment.
Changes to Shares Outstanding — Changes to shares outstanding due to buybacks (including Dutch auctions), secondary offerings, and other potential changes are generally updated on the last Friday of June (unless the last Friday occurs on the 29th or 30th, when reconstitution will occur on the Friday prior). FTSE Russell only applies month-end changes to available shares outstanding if the cumulative change in the number of shares outstanding is greater than 5%. Share changes that are confirmed by their vendors and verified by FTSE Russell by use of an SEC filing at least six days prior to month end are implemented and communicated to clients who subscribe at the Premier level five trading days prior to month end. The float factor last determined (either at reconstitution or due to a corporate action implementation) is applied to the new shares. No such changes are made in June due to the most recent annual reconstitution.
Spin-offs — Spin-offs will be valued using an estimate prior to ex-date. When a spin-off results in an eligible security type being listed on an eligible exchange, the spin-off company will remain in the Index until the next index review, regardless of size. When an index constituent spins off an ineligible security type or the spin-off company is listed on an ineligible exchange only, the security will be added to the Index on the ex-date and subsequently removed with notice at market price once “regular way” trade has commenced.
Tender Offers — A company acquired as a result of a cash tender offer is removed if (i) Where offer acceptances are below 90%, there is reason to believe that the remaining free float is under 5% based on information available at the time; or (ii) Following completion of the offer the acquirer has stated intent to finalize the acquisition via a short-form merger, squeeze-out, top-up option or any other compulsory mechanism; or (iii) Offer acceptances reach 90% (initial, extension or subsequent); and (iv) Shareholders have validly tendered and the shares have been irrevocably accepted for payment; and all pertinent offer conditions have been reasonably met and the acquirer has not explicitly stated that it does not intend to acquire the remaining shares.
Voluntary Exchange Offers — A publicly traded company may offer to exchange or split-off some or all of its ownership in a separate publicly traded company. Once the offer expires, FTSE Russell will decrease the available shares in the offering company, and increase the available shares of ‘split-off’ company, based on the results of the offering. FTSE Russell will effect this change based on, but not limited to, preliminary results, company filings, and exchange notices.
Bankruptcy and Voluntary Liquidations — Companies that file for a Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy or have filed a liquidation plan will be removed from the Index at the time of the bankruptcy filing; whereas companies filing for a Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy will remain a member of the Index, unless the company is de-listed from the primary exchange, in which case normal de-listing rules apply. If a company files for bankruptcy, is delisted and it can be confirmed that it will not trade OTC, FTSE Russell may remove the stock at a nominal price of $0.0001.
Stock Distributions — A price adjustment for stock distributions is applied on the ex-date of the distribution. When the number of shares for the distribution is fixed, FTSE Russell increases the number of shares on the ex-date. When the number of shares is an undetermined amount based on future earnings and profits, FTSE Russell increases the number of shares on the pay-date.
Dividends — FTSE Russell includes gross dividends in the daily total return calculation of the Index on the basis of their ex-dates. If a dividend is payable in stock and cash and the number of shares to be issued cannot be determined by the ex-date, the dividend is treated as all cash. Regular cash dividends are reinvested across the Index at the close on the dividend ex-date, while special cash dividends are subtracted from the price of the stock before the open on the ex-date.
Halted Securities — Halted securities are not removed from the Index until the time they are actually delisted from the exchange. If a security is halted and declared bankrupt without any indication of compensation to shareholders, the last traded price will be adjusted down to zero value and it will subsequently be removed from the Index with T+2 notice. In all other cases, the security will continue to be included in the Index for a period of up to 20 business days at its last traded price. If the security continues to be suspended at the end of a period of up to 20 business days, FTSE Russell will review it to decide whether to remove it at zero value, repeating such review as applicable at successive 20 business day intervals until trading recommences or specified time limits expire and the security is removed.

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Historical Data
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the RTY in the period from January 1, 2013 through December 7, 2023. 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 7, 2023, the closing level of the RTY was 1,868.251.
Historical Performance of the RTY
This historical data on the RTY is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the RTY or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the RTY during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the RTY is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the RTY.
License Agreement
FTSE Russell has entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with us, granting us, and certain of our affiliates, in exchange for a fee, permission to use the Index in connection with the offer and sale of the notes. We are not affiliated with FTSE Russell; the only relationship between FTSE Russell and us is the licensing of the use of the Russell 2000® Index (a trademark of FTSE Russell) and trademarks relating to the Index. We do not accept any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.
The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FTSE Russell’s publication of the Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by FTSE Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the Index is based. FTSE Russell’s only relationship to us is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of FTSE Russell and of the Index which is determined, composed and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to us or the notes. FTSE Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the notes nor any associated literature or publications and FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. FTSE Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Index. FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes.
FTSE RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND FTSE RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, INVESTORS, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL FTSE RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

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The Nasdaq-100 Index®
General
The Index is a modified market capitalization-weighted index of stocks of 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Index, which includes companies across a variety of major industry groups, was launched on January 31, 1985, with a base index value of 125.00, as adjusted. Current information regarding the market value of the Index is available from Nasdaq as well as numerous market information services.
The Index share weights of the component securities of the Index at any time are based upon the total shares outstanding in each of those securities and are additionally subject, in certain cases, to rebalancing. Accordingly, each Index component security’s influence on the level of the Index is directly proportional to the value of its Index share weight.
Calculation of the Index
 At any moment in time, the value of the Index equals the aggregate value of the then-current Index share weights of each of the Index component securities, which are based on the total shares outstanding of each such Index component security, multiplied by each such security’s respective last sale price on the Nasdaq Stock Market (which may be the official closing price published by the Nasdaq Stock Market), and divided by a scaling factor (the “Divisor”), which becomes the basis for the reported Index value. The Divisor serves the purpose of scaling such aggregate value to a lower order of magnitude which is more desirable for Index reporting purposes.
Eligibility Criteria

Initial Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for initial inclusion in the Index, a security must meet the following criteria:

the issuer of the security’s U.S. listing must be exclusively on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Global Market (unless the security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to January 1, 2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);

a security must be issued by a non-financial company;

a security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy proceedings;

a security must have an average daily trading volume of at least 200,000 shares in the previous three months (measured annually during the ranking review process described below);

if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, then such security must have listed options on a recognized options market in the United States or be eligible for listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the United States (measured during the ranking review process);

the issuer of the security may not have entered into a definitive agreement or other arrangement where the transaction is determined to be highly probable and would likely result in the security no longer being Index eligible;

the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn; and

the security must have “seasoned” on the Nasdaq, NYSE or CBOE. Generally, a company is considered to be seasoned if it has been listed on a market for at least three full months (excluding the first month of initial listing).
Continued Eligibility Criteria
In addition, to be eligible for continued inclusion in the Index, the security must meet the following criteria:

the issuer of the security’s primary U.S. listing must be exclusively listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Global Market;

the security must be issued by a non-financial company;

the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy proceedings;

the security must have an average daily trading volume of at least 200,000 shares in the previous three month trading period (measured during the ranking review process);

if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, then such security must have listed options on a recognized options market in the United States or be eligible for listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the United States;

the issuer must have an adjusted market capitalization equal to or exceeding 0.10% of the aggregate adjusted market capitalization of the Index at each month-end. In the event a company does not meet this criterion for two consecutive month-ends, it will be removed from the Index effective after the close of trading on the third Friday of the following month; and

the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn.
For the purposes of Index eligibility criteria, if the security is a depositary receipt representing a security of a non-U.S. issuer, then references to the “issuer” are references to the issuer of the underlying security.
These Index eligibility criteria may be revised from time to time by Nasdaq without regard to the securities.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-17

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Annual Ranking Review
The composition of the Index is evaluated on an annual basis, except under extraordinary circumstances that may result in an interim evaluation, as follows (this evaluation is referred to herein as the “ranking review”). Securities listed on Nasdaq that meet the applicable eligibility criteria are ranked by market value. Index -eligible securities that are already in the Index and whose issuer is ranked in the top 100 eligible companies (based on market capitalization) are retained in the Index. An Index issuer that is ranked 101 to 125 is generally retained, provided that such issuer was ranked in the top 100 eligible issuers as of the previous ranking review or was added to the Index subsequent to the previous ranking review. Index issuers not meeting such criteria are replaced. Additionally, if at the time of the ranking review an eligible issuer not currently in the Index is ranked within the top 75 eligible securities by market capitalization and is not one of the replacement securities, it will be automatically added to the Index and the smallest issuer by market capitalization will be removed from the index. The replacement securities chosen are those eligible securities not currently in the Index whose issuers have the largest market capitalization. The data used in the ranking includes market data as of the last trading of October and is updated for total shares outstanding submitted in a publicly filed SEC document via EDGAR through the end of November.
Generally, the list of annual additions and deletions as a result of the annual evaluation is publicly announced via a press release in the early part of December. Replacements are made effective after the close of trading on the third Friday in December. Moreover, if at any time during the year other than the ranking review, an Index issuer no longer meets the continued eligibility criteria or is otherwise determined by Nasdaq to become ineligible for continued inclusion in the Index, the issuer security will be replaced with the largest market capitalization security not currently in the Index and meeting the initial eligibility criteria listed above. Ordinarily, a security will be removed from the Index at its last sale price. If, however, at the time of its removal the security is halted from trading on its primary listing market and an official closing price cannot readily be determined, the security may, in Nasdaq’s discretion, be removed at a zero price. The zero price will be applied to the security after the close of the market but prior to the time the official closing value of the Index is disseminated, which is ordinarily 17:16:00 EST.
Index Maintenance
Changes in the price and/or the number of total share outstanding of each of the Index component securities driven by corporate events such as stock dividends, stock splits and certain spin-offs and rights issuances are adjusted on the ex-date. If the change in total shares outstanding arising from other corporate actions is greater than or equal to 10.0%, the change will be made to the Index as soon as practicable. Otherwise, if the change in total shares outstanding is less than 10.0%, then all such changes are accumulated and made effective at one time on a quarterly basis after the close of trading on the third Friday in each of March, June, September and December. The index shares for those Index component securities are derived from each security’s total shares outstanding. The index shares for those Index component securities are adjusted by the same percentage amount by which the total shares outstanding have changed in those Index component securities.
The price of the component security is adjusted for the amount of the special cash dividend. A dividend is considered special if the information provided by the listing exchange in their announcement of the ex-date indicates that the dividend is special. A special dividend may also be referred to as extra, extraordinary, non-recurring, one-time, unusual, etc.
Index Rebalancing
On a quarterly basis coinciding with the quarterly scheduled index share adjustment procedures in March, June and September, the Index will be rebalanced if it is determined that: (1) the current weight of the single largest market capitalization component security is greater than 24.0% and (2) the “collective weight” of those component securities whose individual current weights are in excess of 4.5%, when added together, exceeds 48.0% of the Index.
If either one or both weight distribution requirements are met upon quarterly review or it is determined that a special rebalancing is required, a weight rebalancing will be performed.
First, relating to weight distribution requirement (1) above, if the current weight of the single largest component security exceeds 24.0%, then the weights of all stocks with weights greater than 4.5% will be scaled down proportionately towards 1.0% for the adjusted weight of the single largest component security to be set to 20.0%.
Second, relating to weight distribution requirement (2) above, for those component securities whose individual current weights or adjusted weights in accordance with the preceding step are in excess of 4.5%, if their “collective weight” exceeds 48.0%, then the weights of all stocks with weights greater than 4.5% will be scaled down proportionately towards 1.0% for the “collective weight,” so adjusted, to be set to 40.0%.
On an annual basis coinciding with the annual evaluation in December, the Index will be rebalanced if it is determined that the “collective weight” of the five largest component securities by weight, when added together, exceeds 40.0% of the Index. In addition, a special rebalancing of the Index may be conducted at any time if it is determined necessary to maintain the integrity of the Index.
If the weight distribution requirement is met upon the annual evaluation or it is determined that a special rebalancing is required, a weight rebalancing will be performed.
If the “collective weight” of the five largest Index securities by weight, when added together, exceeds 40.0% of the Index at the time of the annual evaluation, those top five securities will be scaled down proportionately towards 1.0% for the “collective weight,” so adjusted, to be set to 38.5%. The excess weight due to capping from the five largest, capped securities is redistributed to the remaining securities. Thereafter, all other securities are capped at 4.5% and the weight is proportionally redistributed to all securities that have not yet been capped.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-18

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
In the event of a special rebalance, either coinciding with the quarterly review or annual evaluation (or at any other point in time where necessary), prior month-end shares outstanding and prices for each security in the Index are utilized to calculate the weights that require capping and the associated index shares. If a special rebalance were to occur in accordance with the quarterly scheduled index adjustment or annual evaluation, the index weights will be determined anew based upon the last sale prices and aggregate capitalization of the Index at the close of trading on the last day in February, May, August and November. Changes to the index weights will be made effective after the close of trading on the third Friday in March, June, September and December and an adjustment to the divisor is made to ensure continuity of the Index.
Ordinarily, new rebalanced weights will be determined by applying the above procedures to the current index weights. However, Nasdaq may from time to time determine rebalanced weights, if necessary, by applying the above procedure to the actual current market capitalization of the component securities. In such instances, Nasdaq would announce the different basis for rebalancing prior to its implementation.
At the quarterly rebalancing, data is cutoff as of the previous month end and no changes are made to the Index from that cutoff until the quarterly share change effective date with the single exception for corporate actions with an ex-date.
Historical Data
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the NDX in the period from January 1, 2013 through December 7, 2023. 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 7, 2023, the closing level of the NDX was 16,022.49.
Historical Performance of the NDX
This historical data on the NDX is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the NDX or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the NDX during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the NDX is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
You should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the NDX.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-19

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
License Agreement
Nasdaq, Inc. and BNS have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement providing for the license to BNS, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use the Nasdaq-100 Index®, which is owned and published by Nasdaq, Inc. in connection with the notes. The license agreement between Nasdaq, Inc. and BNS provides that the following language must be stated in this term sheet:
The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Nasdaq, Inc. or its affiliates (Nasdaq, Inc., together with its affiliates, are referred to as the “Corporations”). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the notes. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to the owners of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly, or the ability of the Nasdaq-100 Index® to track general stock market performance. The Corporations’ only relationship to BNS (“Licensee”) is in the licensing of the Nasdaq®, Nasdaq-100 Index®, and certain trade names of the Corporations and the use of the Nasdaq-100 Index® which is determined, composed and calculated by Nasdaq, Inc. without regard to Licensee or the notes. Nasdaq, Inc. has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Nasdaq-100 Index®. The Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the notes to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the notes are to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX® OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX® OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX® OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-20

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with BofAS, BofAS 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 will purchase the notes from BofAS for resale, and will receive a selling concession in connection with the sale of the notes in an amount up to the full amount of the underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this term sheet.
We will pay a fee to LFT Securities, LLC for providing certain electronic platform services with respect to this offering, which will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you. An affiliate of BofAS has an ownership interest in LFT Securities, LLC.
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 settlement 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 and/or one of its affiliates acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S and BofAS 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 and BofAS’s trading commissions and mark-ups or mark-downs. MLPF&S and BofAS may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, neither is obligated to engage in any such transactions. At their discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S and BofAS 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 or BofAS for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Indices and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS 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, BofAS 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 BofAS’s estimate of the value of the notes if BofAS 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 BofAS may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding BNS or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:

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

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

a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account.
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 financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-21

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Structuring the Notes
The notes are our unsecured senior debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Index. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the market-linked note is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable maturity. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.
At maturity, we are required to pay the Redemption Amount to holders of the notes, which will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with BofAS or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S, BofAS and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Indices, 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.
BofAS 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 BofAS 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 BofAS or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see “Risk Factors — Conflict-Related Risks” beginning on page PS-16 and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-22

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
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 65 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 product supplement EQUITY ARN-1. In addition to the assumptions, limitations and conditions described therein, such discussion assumes that a Non-Resident Holder is not an entity in respect of which BNS is a “specified entity” as defined in proposals to amend the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Act”) released by the Minister of Finance (Canada) on November 28, 2023 with respect to “hybrid mismatch arrangements”, as defined (the “Hybrid Mismatch Proposals”). In general terms, the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals provide that two entities will be treated as specified entities in respect of one another if one entity, directly or indirectly, holds a 25% equity interest in the other entity, or a third entity, directly or indirectly, holds a 25% equity interest in both entities.
Such discussion further assumes that no amount paid or payable to a Non-Resident Holder will be the deduction component of a “hybrid mismatch arrangement” under which the payment arises within the meaning of proposed paragraph 18.4(3)(b) of the Act contained in the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals.
Investors should note that the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals are in consultation form, are highly complex, and there remains significant uncertainty as to their interpretation and application. There can be no assurance that the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals will be enacted in their current form, or at all.
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 document 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 “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” section beginning on page PS-37 of product supplement EQUITY ARN-1.
No statutory, regulatory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment in the notes (and of having agreed to the required tax treatment of your notes described below) and as to the application of state, local or other tax laws to your investment in your notes and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.
Pursuant to the terms of the notes, BNS and you agree, in the absence of a statutory or regulatory change or an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to characterize your notes as prepaid derivative contracts with respect to the Indices. 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 taxable disposition (including cash settlement) 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.
Based on certain factual representations received from us, our special U.S. tax counsel, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, is of the opinion that 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 and adversely from the treatment described above.
Section 1297. We will not attempt to ascertain whether any entity the stock of which is included in any of the Indices would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the U.S. 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.
Notice 2008-2. In 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the notes. According to Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) are actively considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis. 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 Treasury are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether non-U.S. 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 U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), should be applied to such instruments. Both U.S. and non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the significance, and the potential impact, of the above considerations.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-23

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Proposed Legislation. In 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if it had been enacted, would have required holders of notes purchased after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of the notes despite the fact that there will be no interest payments over the term of the notes.
Furthermore, in 2013 the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments. If it had been enacted, the effect of this legislation generally would have been to require instruments such as the notes to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.
It is impossible to predict what any such legislation or administrative or regulatory guidance might provide, and whether the effective date of any legislation or guidance will affect securities that were issued before the date that such legislation or guidance is issued. You are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the possibility that any legislative or administrative action may adversely affect the tax treatment of your notes.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income. U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or 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 realized 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. The 3.8% Medicare tax is determined in a different manner than the regular income tax. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the 3.8% Medicare tax.
Specified Foreign Financial Assets. U.S. holders may be subject to reporting obligations with respect to their notes if they do not hold their notes in an account maintained by a financial institution and the aggregate value of their notes and certain other “specified foreign financial assets” (applying certain attribution rules) exceeds an applicable threshold. 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 taxable disposition 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. If you are a non-U.S. holder, subject to Section 871(m) of the Code and FATCA, discussed below, you should generally not be subject to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements with respect to payments on your notes if you comply with certain certification and identification requirements as to your non-U.S. status including providing us (and/or the applicable withholding agent) a properly executed and fully completed applicable IRS Form W-8. Subject to Section 897 of the Code and Section 871(m) of the Code, discussed below, gain realized from the taxable disposition of a note generally will not be subject to U.S. tax unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by you in the U.S., (ii) 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 taxable disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied or (iii) you have certain other present or former connections with the U.S.
Section 897. We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of any security included in any of the Indices would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. We also have not attempted to determine whether the notes should be treated as “United States real property interests” (“USRPI”) as defined in Section 897 of the Code. If any such entity and/or the notes were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply, including subjecting any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder in respect of the notes upon a taxable disposition (including cash settlement) of the notes to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis, and the proceeds from such a taxable disposition to a withholding tax. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential treatment of any such entity as a USRPHC and/or the notes as USRPI.
Section 871(m). A 30% withholding tax (which may be reduced by an applicable income tax treaty) is imposed under Section 871(m) of the Code on certain “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to a “specified equity-linked instrument” that references one or more dividend-paying U.S. equity securities or indices containing U.S. equity securities. The withholding tax can apply even if the instrument does not provide for payments that reference dividends. Treasury regulations provide that the withholding tax applies to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on specified equity-linked instruments that have a delta of one (“delta-one specified equity-linked instruments”) issued after 2016 and to all dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid on all other specified equity-linked instruments issued after 2017. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the Treasury and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the Treasury regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid will not apply to specified equity-linked instruments that are not delta-one specified equity-linked instruments and are issued before January 1, 2025.
Based on the nature of the Indices and our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” with respect to any of the Indices or any U.S. security included in any of the Indices, our special U.S. tax 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 on the date the terms of the notes are set. If withholding is required, we will not make payments of any additional amounts.

Accelerated Return Notes®
TS-24

Accelerated Return Notes®
Linked to the Best-Performing of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® due December   , 2026
Nevertheless, after the date the terms are set, it is possible that your notes could be deemed to be reissued for tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting any of the Indices, any U.S. security included in any of the Indices 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 you enter, or have entered, into certain other transactions in respect of any of the Indices, any U.S. security included in any of the Indices or the notes. If you enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of any of the Indices, any U.S. security included in any of the Indices or the notes, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the application of Section 871(m) of the Code to your notes in the context of your 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 or other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S.-source interest or dividends) and “passthru payments” (i.e., certain payments attributable to withholdable payments) made to certain foreign financial institutions (and certain of their affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees (or is required), among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account at the institution (or the relevant affiliate) and to annually report certain information about such account. FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or do not certify that they do not have any substantial U.S. owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Pursuant to final and temporary Treasury regulations and other IRS guidance, the withholding and reporting requirements under FATCA will generally apply to certain “withholdable payments”, will not apply to gross proceeds on a sale or disposition, and will apply to certain foreign passthru payments only to the extent that such payments are made after the date that is two years after 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 foreign 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 BNS and those of the issuers of any security included in any of the Indices). 
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 or BofAS toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.
“Accelerated Return Notes®” and “ARNs®” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent company of MLPF&S and BofAS.


Accelerated Return Notes®
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