This pricing supplement, which is not complete and may be changed, relates to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933. This pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these notes in any country or jurisdiction where such an offer would not be permitted.
Preliminary Pricing Supplement - Subject to Completion | Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) |
(To Prospectus dated November 4, 2016, Series A | Registration Statement No. 333-213265 |
Prospectus Supplement dated November 4, 2016 and | |
Product Supplement EQUITY-1 dated January 24, 2017) Dated June 4, 2018 |
BofA Finance LLC
Autocallable Notes with Step Down Call Level Linked to Least Performing of the Russell 2000® Index and the FTSE® 100 Index, due July 1, 2021
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Bank of America Corporation
· | The CUSIP number for the notes is 09709TET4. |
· | The notes are senior unsecured obligations issued by BofA Finance LLC (“BofA Finance”), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BAC” or the “Guarantor”), which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor. Any payment due on the notes will be subject to the credit risk of BofA Finance, as issuer of the notes, and the credit risk of BAC, as guarantor of the notes. |
· | The notes are expected to price on June 26, 2018 (the “pricing date”). |
· | Unless previously called, the notes are expected to mature on July 1, 2021, unless previously called. The notes will not pay interest. |
· | The notes do not guarantee a full return of your principal at maturity, and, if the notes are not called, you could lose some or all of the principal amount. |
· | The notes will be automatically called if the closing value of each of the Russell 2000® Index (the “RTY”) and the FTSE® 100 Index (the “UKX”) (each, an “Underlying,” and collectively, the “Underlyings”) on any Observation Date, occurring approximately one, two and three years after the pricing date, is at or above its applicable Call Level. For each Underlying, the “Call Level” will be 100% of the Starting Value for the first Observation Date, 95% of the Starting Value for the second Observation Date, and 90% of the Starting Value for the final Observation Date. |
· | In the event of an automatic call, the amount payable per $1,000 in principal amount will be: $1,106.50 if called on the first Observation Date, $1,213.00 if called on the second Observation Date and $1,319.50 if called on the final Observation Date. These amounts correspond to a rate of 10.65% per year of the term of the notes. |
· | If the notes are not called and the Ending Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Threshold Value, you will receive the principal amount. However, if the Ending Value of either Underlying is less than its Threshold Value, you will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than the Starting Value. In that case, the Redemption Amount (each as defined below) will be less than the principal amount and could be zero. |
· | The “Threshold Value” with respect to each Underlying will be 70% of the Starting Value. |
· | The “Least Performing Underlying” will be the Underlying with the lowest Underlying Return (as defined below). |
· | The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. |
· | The notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000. |
· | The initial estimated value of the notes will be less than the public offering price. The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $950.00 and $977.50 per $1,000 in principal amount. See “Summary” beginning on page PS-3 of this pricing supplement, “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-8 of this pricing supplement and “Structuring the Notes” on page PS-22 of this pricing supplement for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. |
· | The notes and the related guarantee: |
Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value | |||||||
Per Note | Total | ||||||||
Public Offering Price | $1,000.00 | $ | |||||||
Underwriting Discount | $22.50 | $ | |||||||
Proceeds (before expenses) to BofA Finance | $977.50 | $ | |||||||
The notes and the related guarantee of the notes by the Guarantor are unsecured and are not savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of a bank. The notes are not guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any other bank, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency and involve investment risks. Potential purchasers of the notes should consider the information in “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-8 of this pricing supplement, page PS-5 of the accompanying product supplement, page S-4 of the accompanying prospectus supplement, and page 7 of the accompanying prospectus. You may lose some or all of your principal amount in the notes.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these notes or the guarantee, or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this pricing supplement, or the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We will deliver the notes in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company on or about June 29, 2018 against payment in immediately available funds.
BofA Merrill Lynch
Selling Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY | pS-3 |
RISK FACTORS | pS-8 |
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES | pS-12 |
THE UNDERLYINGS | pS-14 |
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION; ROLE OF MLPF&S and CONFLICTS OF INTEREST | pS-21 |
STRUCTURING THE NOTES | pS-22 |
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY | pS-23 |
PS-2
SUMMARY
The Autocallable Notes with Step Down Call Level Linked to Least Performing of the Russell 2000® Index and the FTSE® 100 Index (the “notes”) are our senior debt securities. Any payment on the notes is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BAC. The notes and the related guarantee are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or secured by collateral. The notes will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured debt, and the related guarantee will rank equally with all of BAC’s other senior unsecured debt. Any payment due on the notes will be subject to the credit risk of BofA Finance, as issuer, and BAC, as guarantor. If not previously called, the notes will mature on July 1, 2021.
The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the closing level of each Underlying on any Observation Date is greater than or equal to its corresponding Call Level. If your notes are not called and the Ending Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Threshold Value, at maturity you will receive the principal amount. If the Ending Value of either Underlying is less than its Threshold Value, you will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than the Starting Value.
Any payment on the notes depends on the credit risk of BofA Finance and BAC and on the performance of the Underlyings. The economic terms of the notes (including the Call Amounts) are based on BAC’s internal funding rate, which is the rate it would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements it enters into. BAC’s internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate it would pay when it issues conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charges described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes. 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 as of the pricing date.
On the cover page of this pricing supplement, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. The final pricing supplement will set forth the initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-8 and “Structuring the Notes” on page PS-22.
Issuer: | BofA Finance LLC (“BofA Finance”) |
Guarantor: | Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”) |
Term: | Approximately three years, if not previously called |
Pricing Date: | June 26, 2018 |
Issue Date: | June 29, 2018 |
Maturity Date: |
July 1, 2021 |
Underlyings: | The Russell 2000® Index (Bloomberg ticker: “RTY”) and the FTSE® 100 Index (Bloomberg ticker: “UKX”) |
Starting Value: |
With respect to each Underlying, its closing level on the pricing date. |
Threshold Value: | With respect to each Underlying, 70% of the Starting Value of the Underlying. |
Ending Value: | With respect to each Underlying, its Observation Level on the final Observation Date, as determined by the calculation agent. |
Observation Level: | With respect to each Underlying, its closing level on the applicable Observation Date. |
Observation Dates: | July 2, 2019, June 26, 2020 and June 28, 2021 (the final Observation Date), each subject to postponement as set forth in “Description of the Notes—Certain Terms of the Notes—Events Relating to Observation Dates” of the accompanying product supplement. |
PS-3
Call Level: | 100% of the Starting Value with respect to the first Observation Date, 95% of the Starting Value with respect to the second Observation Date and 90% of the Starting Value with respect to the final Observation Date. |
Call Amounts (per $1,000 in principal amount) and Call Premiums: |
$1,106.50, representing a Call Premium of 10.65% of the principal amount, if called on the first Observation Date. $1,213.00, representing a Call Premium of 21.30% of the principal amount, if called on the second Observation Date. $1,319.50, representing a Call Premium of 31.95% of the principal amount, if called on the final Observation Date. The Call Amounts represent a potential return on the notes of 10.65% per year of their term. |
Call Settlement Dates: | The third business day following the applicable Observation Date, as postponed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the final Call Settlement Date will be the maturity date, regardless of any postponement to the final Observation Date. |
Redemption Amount: |
If the notes are not called, at maturity, you will receive the Redemption Amount per note as follows: · If the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is greater than or equal to the Threshold Value: $1,000; · If the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Threshold Value: $1,000 x |
Calculation Agent: | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), an affiliate of BofA Finance. |
Selling Agent: | MLPF&S |
The pricing date, issue date and other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the final pricing supplement relating to the notes.
PS-4
You should read carefully this entire pricing supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement, and prospectus to understand fully the terms of the notes, as well as the tax and other considerations important to you in making a decision about whether to invest in the notes. In particular, you should review carefully the section in this pricing supplement entitled “Risk Factors,” which highlights a number of risks of an investment in the notes, to determine whether an investment in the notes is appropriate for you. If information in this pricing supplement is inconsistent with the product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus, this pricing supplement will supersede those documents. You are urged to consult with your own attorneys and business and tax advisors before making a decision to purchase any of the notes.
The information in this “Summary” section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed explanation set forth elsewhere in this pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. You should rely only on the information contained in this pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. None of us, the Guarantor or MLPF&S is making an offer to sell these notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement, and prospectus is accurate only as of the date on their respective front covers.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement have the meanings set forth in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this pricing supplement to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BofA Finance, and not to BAC (or any other affiliate of BofA Finance).
The above documents may be accessed at the following links:
· | Product supplement EQUITY-1 dated January 24, 2017: |
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312517016445/d331325d424b5.htm
· | Series A MTN prospectus supplement dated November 4, 2016 and prospectus dated November 4, 2016: |
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312516760144/d266649d424b3.htm
PS-5
Hypothetical Payments on the Notes
The following table is for purposes of illustration only. It is based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes. It illustrates the calculation of the Call Amount or Redemption Amount, as applicable, and total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100 for the Least Performing Underlying, a hypothetical Threshold Value of 70 for the Least Performing Underlying, a hypothetical Call Level of 100 with respect to the first Observation Date for the Least Performing Underlying, 95 with respect to the second Observation Date for the Least Performing Underlying and 90 with respect to the final Observation Date for the Least Performing Underlying, an expected term of the notes of approximately three years, if the notes are not called on the first or second Observation Dates, a Call Premium of 10.65% of the principal amount if the notes are called on the first Observation Date, 21.30% if called on the second Observation Date, and 31.95% if called on the final Observation Date, and Observation Dates occurring approximately one, two and three years after the pricing date. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Call Levels, Observation Levels, Call Premiums, and Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying, and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The numbers appearing in the table below have been rounded for ease of analysis, and do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
For recent actual values of the Underlyings,
see “The Underlyings” section below. The Ending Value of each Underlying will not include any income generated by dividends
paid on the securities represented by that Underlying, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those
securities directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
Notes Are Called on an Observation Date
The notes will be called at $1,000 plus the applicable Call Premium on one of the Observation Dates if the applicable Observation Level is greater than or equal to the applicable Call Level. After the notes are called, they will no longer remain outstanding and there will not be any further payments on the notes.
Example 1 – The Observation Level for the Least Performing Underlying on the first Observation Date is 110.00. Therefore, the notes will be called at $1,000.00 plus the Call Premium of $106.50 = $1,106.50 per $1,000 in principal amount.
Example 2 – The Observation Level for the Least Performing Underlying on the first Observation Date is below the applicable Call Level, but its Observation Level on the second Observation Date is 96.00. Therefore, the notes will be called at $1,000.00 plus the Call Premium of $213.00 = $1,213.00 per $1,000 in principal amount.
Example 3 – The Observation Levels for the Least Performing Underlying on the first and second Observation Dates are below its respective Call Levels, but its Observation Level on the third and final Observation Date is 90.00. Therefore, the notes will be called at $1,000.00 plus the Call Premium of $319.50 = $1,319.50 per $1,000 in principal amount.
Notes Are Not Called on Any Observation Date
Example 4 – The notes are not called on any Observation Date and the Ending Value for the Least Performing Underlying is 80.00, which is greater than its Threshold Value. Therefore, the Redemption Amount $1,000 in principal amount will be $1,000.
Example 5 – The notes are not called on any Observation Date and the Ending Value for the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Threshold Value. The Redemption Amount will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount. For example, if the Ending Value is 60.00, the Redemption Amount per $1,000 in principal amount will be:
$1,000 x = $600
PS-6
Summary of the Hypothetical Examples |
Notes Are Called on an Observation Date |
Notes Are Not
Called on Any
| ||||
Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | Example 4 | Example 5 | |
Starting Value for the Least Performing Underlying | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
Threshold Value for the Least Performing Underlying | 70.00 | 70.00 | 70.00 | 70.00 | 70.00 |
Observation Level on the First Observation Date for the Least Performing Underlying | 110.00 | 90.00 | 90.00 | 88.00 | 90.00 |
Observation Level on the Second Observation Date for the Least Performing Underlying | N/A | 96.00 | 83.00 | 78.00 | 80.00 |
Observation Level on the Final Observation Date for the Least Performing Underlying | N/A | N/A | 90.00 | 80.00 | 60.00 |
Return of the Least Performing Underlying | 10.00% | -4.00% | -10.00% | -20.00% | -40.00% |
Return of the Notes | 10.65% | 21.30% | 31.95% | 0.00% | -40.00% |
Call Amount / Redemption Amount per $1,000 in principal amount |
$1,106.50 | $1,213.00 | $1,319.50 | $1,000.00 | $600.00 |
PS-7
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the notes entails significant risks, many of which differ from those of a conventional debt security. Your decision to purchase the notes should be made only after carefully considering the risks of an investment in the notes, including those discussed below, with your advisors in light of your particular circumstances. The notes are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about significant elements of the notes or financial matters in general.
If the notes are not called, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal. The notes are not principal protected. There is no fixed principal repayment amount on the notes at maturity. If the notes are not called and the Ending Value of any Underlying is less than its Threshold Value, you will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Starting Value. In that case, you will lose some or all of your principal.
Your notes may be called prior to maturity. If the closing level of either Underlying on any Observation Date is greater than or equal to its applicable Call Level, your notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Premium. Due to the “step down” feature of the automatic call, there is a higher likelihood that the notes will be automatically called than if the Call Level for that Underlying remained at 100% of its Starting Value for each of the Observation Dates. If the notes are called, the period over which you hold the notes will be limited. No further payments will be made on the notes after they have been called. In addition, if the notes are called, there is no guarantee that you will be able to reinvest the proceeds in an investment with a comparable return and similar level of risk.
Your return on the notes is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium. You will not participate in any increase in the level of either Underlying. Your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium. In contrast, a direct investment in the securities included in one or both of the Underlyings would allow you to receive the benefit of any appreciation in their values. Thus, any return on the notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned those securities and received the dividends paid or distributions made on them. The return on the notes may be less than a comparable investment directly in the securities included in or held by the Underlyings.
The notes do not bear interest. Unlike a conventional debt security, no interest payments will be paid over the term of the notes, regardless of the extent to which the Ending Value of each Underlying exceeds its Starting Value. Payments on the notes will be limited only to the applicable Call Amount or the Redemption Amount, as applicable.
Your return on the notes may be less than the yield on a conventional debt security of comparable maturity. Any return that you receive on the notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional debt security with the same maturity date. As a result, your investment in the notes may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you consider factors, such as inflation, that affect the time value of money.
Any payment on the notes is subject to our credit risk and the credit risk of the Guarantor, and actual or perceived changes in our or the Guarantor’s creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. The notes are our senior unsecured debt securities. Any payment on the notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor. The notes are not guaranteed by any entity other than the Guarantor. As a result, your receipt of any payment due on the notes will be dependent upon our ability and the ability of the Guarantor to repay our obligations under the notes on the applicable payment date, regardless of the value of the Underlyings on any Observation Date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition or the financial condition of the Guarantor will be at any time during the term of the notes. If we and the Guarantor become unable to meet our respective financial obligations as they become due, you may not receive the amounts payable under the terms of the notes.
In addition, our credit ratings and the credit ratings of the Guarantor are assessments by ratings agencies of our respective abilities to pay our obligations. Consequently, our or the Guarantor’s perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated decreases in our or the Guarantor’s credit ratings or increases in the spread between the yield on our respective securities and the yield on U.S. Treasury securities (the “credit spread”) prior to the maturity date may adversely affect the market value of the notes. However, because your return on the notes depends upon factors in addition to our ability and the ability of the Guarantor to pay our respective obligations, such as the values of the Underlyings, an improvement in our or the Guarantor’s credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to the notes.
PS-8
We are a finance subsidiary and, as such, will have limited assets and operations. We are a finance subsidiary of BAC and will have no assets, operations or revenues other than those related to the issuance, administration and repayment of our debt securities that are guaranteed by the Guarantor. As a finance subsidiary, to meet our obligations under the notes, we are dependent upon payment or contribution of funds and/or repayment of outstanding loans from the Guarantor and/or its other subsidiaries. Therefore, our ability to make payments on the notes may be limited. In addition, we will have no independent assets available for distributions to holders of the notes if they make claims in respect of the notes in a bankruptcy, resolution or similar proceeding. Accordingly, any recoveries by such holders may be limited to those available under the related guarantee by the Guarantor, and that guarantee will rank equally with all other senior unsecured obligations of the Guarantor.
The public offering price you pay for the notes will exceed their initial estimated value. The range of estimated values of the notes that is provided in this preliminary pricing supplement, and the estimated value as of the pricing date that will be provided in the final pricing supplement, are each an estimate only, determined as of a particular point in time by reference to our and our affiliates’ pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, including our credit spreads and those of the Guarantor, the Guarantor’s internal funding rate, mid-market terms on hedging transactions, expectations on interest rates, dividends and volatility, price-sensitivity analysis, and the expected term of the notes. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect.
The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, the Guarantor, MLPF&S or any of our other affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your notes at any time after the pricing date will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including our and the Guarantor’s creditworthiness and changes in market conditions.
If you attempt to sell the notes prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than their initial estimated value. This is due to, among other things, changes in the values of the Underlyings, the Guarantor’s internal funding rate, and the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and the hedging related charges, all as further described in "Structuring the Notes" below. 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.
We cannot assure you that a trading market for your notes will ever develop or be maintained. We will not list the notes on any securities exchange. We cannot predict how the notes will trade in any secondary market or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid.
The development of a trading market for the notes will depend on the Guarantor’s financial performance and other factors, including changes in the values of the Underlyings. The number of potential buyers of your notes in any secondary market may be limited. We anticipate that MLPF&S will act as a market-maker for the notes, but none of us, the Guarantor or MLPF&S is required to do so. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market. MLPF&S may discontinue its market-making activities as to the notes at any time. To the extent that MLPF&S engages in any market-making activities, it may bid for or offer the notes. Any price at which MLPF&S may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any notes may differ from the values determined by pricing models that it may use, whether as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups, or other transaction costs. These bids, offers, or completed transactions may affect the prices, if any, at which the notes might otherwise trade in the market.
In addition, if at any time MLPF&S were to cease acting as a market-maker as to the notes, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in the secondary market. In such a case, the price at which the notes could be sold likely would be lower than if an active market existed.
The payments on the notes will not reflect changes in the values of the Underlyings other than on the Observation Dates. Changes in the values of the Underlyings during the term of the notes other than on the Observation Dates will not be reflected in determining whether the notes will be automatically called or in the calculation of the Redemption Amount. To make that determination or calculation, the calculation agent will refer only to the closing values of the Underlyings on the relevant Observation Date. No other values of the Underlyings will be taken into account. As a result, even if the values of the Underlyings have increased at certain times during the term of the notes, your notes will not be called if the Observation Level of either Underlying on each Observation Date is less than its applicable Call Level, and you will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount if the Ending Value of either Underlying is less than its Threshold Value.
PS-9
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.
Because the notes are linked to the least performing (and not the average performance) of the two Underlyings, you may not receive any return on the notes and may lose some or all of your principal amount even if the Observation Level of one or more Underlyings is always greater than or equal to its Threshold Value. Your notes are linked to the least performing of two Underlyings, and a change in the value of one Underlying may not correlate with changes in the value of the other Underlying. The notes are not linked to a basket composed of the Underlyings, where the depreciation in the value of one Underlying could be offset to some extent by the appreciation in the value of the other Underlying. In the case of the notes that we are offering, the individual performance of each Underlying would not be combined, and the depreciation in the value of one Underlying would not be offset by any appreciation in the value of the other Underlying. Even if the Observation Levels of one Underlying is at or above its respective Initial Value on an Observation Date, the notes will not be called if the Observation Level of the other Underlying is below its Initial Value on that day. In addition, even if the Ending Value of one Underlying is at or above its respective Initial Value, you will lose at least 30% of your principal if the Ending Value of the other Underlying is below its Threshold Value.
The notes are subject to risks associated with foreign securities markets. The UKX tracks the value of certain foreign equity securities. You should be aware that investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities involve particular risks. The foreign securities markets comprising the UKX may have less liquidity and may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and market developments may affect foreign markets differently from U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize these foreign securities markets, as well as cross-shareholdings in foreign companies, may affect trading prices and volumes in these markets. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about those U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
Prices of securities in foreign countries are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that apply in those geographical regions. These factors, which could negatively affect those securities markets, include the possibility of recent or future changes in a foreign government’s economic and fiscal policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions applicable to foreign companies or investments in foreign equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, the possibility of outbreaks of hostility and political instability and the possibility of natural disaster or adverse public health developments in the region. Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in important respects such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.
Our trading, hedging and other business activities may create conflicts of interest with you. We, the Guarantor or one or more of our other affiliates, including the selling agents, may engage in trading activities related to the Underlyings or the securities represented by or held by the Underlyings that are not for your account or on your behalf. We, the Guarantor or one or more of our other affiliates, including the selling agents, also may issue or underwrite other financial instruments with returns based upon the Underlying. These trading and other business activities may present a conflict of interest between your interest in the notes and the interests we, the Guarantor and our other affiliates, including the selling agents, may have in our proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including block trades, for our or their other customers, and in accounts under our or their management. These trading and other business activities, if they influence the levels of the Underlyings or secondary trading in your notes, could be adverse to your interests as a beneficial owner of the notes.
We expect to enter into arrangements or adjust or close out existing transactions to hedge our obligations under the notes. We, the Guarantor or our other affiliates, including MLPF&S, also may enter into hedging transactions relating to other notes or instruments, some of which may have returns calculated in a manner related to that of the notes offered hereby. We may enter into such hedging arrangements with one of our affiliates. Our affiliates may enter into additional hedging transactions with other parties relating to the notes and the Underlying. This hedging activity is expected to result in a profit to those engaging in the hedging activity, which could be more or less than initially expected, or the hedging activity could also result in a loss. We and our affiliates will price these hedging transactions with the intent to realize a profit, regardless of whether the value of the notes increases or decreases. Any profit in connection with such hedging activities will be in addition to any other compensation that we,
PS-10
the Guarantor and our other affiliates, including the selling agents, receive for the sale of the notes, which creates an additional incentive to sell the notes to you.
There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent. One of our affiliates will be the calculation agent for the notes and, as such, will make a variety of determinations relating to the notes, including whether notes will be automatically called, and if the notes are not automatically called, the amount that will be paid at maturity. Under some circumstances, these duties could result in a conflict of interest between its status as our affiliate and its responsibilities as calculation agent. These conflicts could occur, for instance, in connection with the calculation agent’s determination as to whether a Market Disruption Event (as defined in the product supplement) has occurred. The calculation agent will be required to carry out its duties in good faith and use its reasonable judgment. However, because we expect that the Guarantor will control the calculation agent, potential conflicts of interest could arise.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. No statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the notes or securities similar to the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are not certain. Under the terms of the notes, you will have agreed with us to treat the notes as single financial contracts, as described under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary—General.” If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting an alternative characterization for the notes, the timing and character of gain or loss with respect to the notes may differ. No ruling will be requested from the IRS with respect to the notes and no assurance can be given that the IRS will agree with the statements made in the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary.” You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes.
* * *
Investors in the notes should review the additional risk factors set forth beginning on page PS-5 of the product supplement prior to making an investment decision.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
General
The notes will be part of a series of medium-term notes entitled “Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series A” issued under the senior indenture, as amended and supplemented from time to time, among us, the Guarantor and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as trustee. The senior indenture is more fully described in the prospectus supplement and prospectus. The following description of the notes supplements the description of the general terms and provisions of the notes and debt securities set forth under the headings “Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the prospectus. These documents should be read in connection with this pricing supplement.
Our payment obligations on the notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor. The notes will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured debt from time to time outstanding. The guarantee of the notes will rank equally with all other senior unsecured obligations of the Guarantor. Any payment due on the notes is subject to our credit risk, as issuer, and the credit risk of BAC, as guarantor.
The notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000. You may transfer the notes only in whole multiples of $1,000.
Unless automatically called prior to the maturity date, the notes will mature on July 1, 2021. Prior to maturity, the notes are not repayable at our option or at your option.
Automatic Call
If the closing level of each Underlying on any Observation Date is greater than or equal to its applicable Call Level, the notes will be called, in whole but not in part, at the applicable Call Amount. The Call Amounts per $1,000 in principal amount and Call Premiums are set forth below:
· | $1,106.50, representing a Call Premium of 10.65% of the principal amount, if called on the first Observation Date. |
· | $1,213.00, representing a Call Premium of 21.30% of the principal amount, if called on the second Observation Date. |
· | $1,319.50, representing a Call Premium of 31.95% of the principal amount, if called on the final Observation Date. |
The “Call Level” will be 100% of the Starting Value for the first Observation Date, 95% of the Starting Value for the second Observation Date, and 90% of the Starting Value for the final Observation Date.
Redemption Amount
If the notes are not called, at maturity, subject to our credit risk as issuer of the notes and the credit risk of the Guarantor as guarantor of the notes, you will receive the Redemption Amount per note that you hold, denominated in U.S. dollars. The Redemption Amount will be calculated as follows:
· | If the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is greater than or equal to its Threshold Value, the Redemption Amount per note will equal: |
$1,000
· | If the Ending Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Threshold Value, the Redemption Amount per note will equal: |
$1,000 x
In this case, the Redemption Amount will be less than the principal amount of the notes, and you will lose some or all of your principal.
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For each Underlying, the Threshold Value is 70% of the Starting Value.
Determining the Starting Value, the Observation Level and the Ending Value of Each Underlying
With respect to each Underlying, the “Starting Value” will be its closing level on the pricing date.
With respect to each Underlying, the “Observation Level” will be its closing level on the applicable Observation Date.
With respect to each Underlying, the “Ending Value” will be its Observation Level on the final Observation Date.
The Observation Dates are subject to postponement as set forth in the product supplement, in the section “Description of the Notes—Certain Terms of the Notes—Events Relating to Observation Dates.”
Events of Default and Acceleration
If an Event of Default, as defined in the senior indenture and in the section entitled “Events of Default and Rights of Acceleration” beginning on page 35 of the accompanying prospectus, with respect to the notes occurs and is continuing, the amount payable to a holder of the notes upon any acceleration permitted under the senior indenture will be equal to the amount described under the caption “—Redemption Amount,” calculated as though the date of acceleration were the maturity date of the notes and as though the final Observation Date were the third trading day prior to the date of acceleration. The calculation agent shall pro-rate the period of time elapsed between the issue date of the notes and the date of acceleration. In case of a default in the payment of the notes, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, the notes will not bear a default interest rate.
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THE UNDERLYINGS
All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding the Underlyings, including, without limitation, their make-up, method of calculation, and changes in their components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by FTSE Russell, the sponsor of the RTY and the UKX. We refer to FTSE Russell as the “Underlying Sponsor.”
None of us, the Guarantor, MLPF&S or any of our other affiliates makes any representation to you as to the future performance of the Underlyings.
You should make your own investigation into the Underlyings.
The Russell 2000® Index
The RTY 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. Additional information on the RTY is available at the following website: http://www.ftserussell.com. No information on that website is deemed to be included or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement.
Russell began dissemination of the RTY (Bloomberg L.P. index symbol “RTY”) on January 1, 1984. FTSE Russell calculates and publishes the RTY. The RTY was set to 135 as of the close of business on December 31, 1986. The RTY is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As a subset of the Russell 3000® Index, the RTY consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. The RTY is determined, comprised, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to the notes.
Selection of Stocks Comprising the RTY
All companies eligible for inclusion in the RTY must be classified as a U.S. company under FTSE Russell’s country-assignment methodology. If a company is incorporated, has a stated headquarters location, and trades in the same country (American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares are not eligible), then the company is assigned to its country of incorporation. If any of the three factors are not the same, FTSE Russell defines three Home Country Indicators (“HCIs”): country of incorporation, country of headquarters, and country of the most liquid exchange (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume) (“ADDTV”) from all exchanges within a country. Using the HCIs, FTSE Russell compares the primary location of the company’s assets with the three HCIs. If the primary location of its assets matches any of the HCIs, then the company is assigned to the primary location of its assets. If there is insufficient information to determine the country in which the company’s assets are primarily located, FTSE Russell will use the primary country from which the company’s revenues are primarily derived for the comparison with the three HCIs in a similar manner. FTSE Russell uses the average of two years of assets or revenues data to reduce potential turnover. If conclusive country details cannot be derived from assets or revenues data, FTSE Russell will assign the company to the country of its headquarters, which is defined as the address of the company’s principal executive offices, unless that country is a Benefit Driven Incorporation “BDI” country, in which case the company will be assigned to the country of its most liquid stock exchange. BDI countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, 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. For any companies incorporated or headquartered in a U.S. territory, including countries such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. HCI is assigned.
All securities eligible for inclusion in the RTY must trade on a major U.S. exchange. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the last trading day in May to be eligible for inclusion during annual reconstitution. However, in order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last day of May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices (from its primary exchange) during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00. Initial public offerings are added each quarter and must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion. If an existing stock does not trade on the “rank day” (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is announced each spring) but does have a closing price at or above $1.00 on another eligible U.S. exchange, that stock will be eligible for inclusion.
An important criterion used to determine the list of securities eligible for the RTY is total market capitalization, which is defined as the market price as of the last trading day in May for those securities being considered at annual reconstitution times the total number of shares outstanding. Where applicable, common stock, non-restricted exchangeable shares and partnership units/membership interests are used to determine market capitalization. Any other form of shares such as preferred stock,
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convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants and rights, installment receipts or trust receipts, are excluded from the calculation. If multiple share classes of common stock exist, they are combined. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately. If multiple share classes exist, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May.
Companies with a total market capitalization of less than $30 million are not eligible for the RTY. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares available in the marketplace are not eligible for the RTY. Royalty trusts, 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 are also ineligible for inclusion. Bulletin board, pink sheets, and over-the-counter (“OTC”) traded securities are not eligible for inclusion. Exchange traded funds and mutual funds are also excluded.
Annual reconstitution is a process by which the RTY is completely rebuilt. Based on closing levels of the company’s common stock on its primary exchange on the rank day of May of each year, FTSE Russell reconstitutes the composition of the RTY using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies. Reconstitution of the RTY occurs on the last Friday in June or, when the last Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, reconstitution occurs on the prior Friday. In addition, FTSE Russell adds initial public offerings to the RTY on a quarterly basis based on total market capitalization ranking within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. After membership is determined, a security’s shares are adjusted to include only those shares available to the public. This is often referred to as “free float.” The purpose of the adjustment is to exclude from market calculations the capitalization that is not available for purchase and is not part of the investable opportunity set.
The following graph sets forth the daily historical performance of the RTY in the period from January 1, 2008 through June 1, 2018. This historical data on the RTY is not necessarily indicative of its future performance 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 below 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. The horizontal line in the graph is 1,153.588, which is 70% of the hypothetical RTY Starting Value of 1,647.983, which was the closing level of the RTY on June 1, 2018 (rounded to three decimal places).
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the RTY.
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License Agreement
“Russell 2000®” and “Russell 3000®” are trademarks of FTSE Russell and have been licensed for use by our affiliate, MLPF&S. The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell, and FTSE Russell makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the notes.
FTSE Russell and MLPF&S have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement providing for the license to MLPF&S and its affiliates, including us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by FTSE Russell in connection with some securities, including the notes. The license agreement provides that the following language must be stated in this pricing supplement:
The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes 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 RTY to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FTSE Russell’s publication of the RTY 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 RTY is based. FTSE Russell’s only relationship to MLPF&S and to us is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of FTSE Russell and of the RTY, which is determined, composed, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to MLPF&S, 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 RTY. 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 RTY 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 MLPF&S, US, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RTY 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 RTY 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 FTSE® 100 Index
The FTSE® 100 Index (the “UKX”) is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 100 most highly capitalized U.K.-listed blue chip companies traded on the London Stock Exchange. The UKX was developed with a base level of 1,000 as of December 30, 1983. It is calculated, published and disseminated by FTSE Russell (“FTSE”), a company owned by the London Stock Exchange Plc (the “Exchange”).
Additional information on the FTSE® 100 Index is available from the following website: ftse.com/uk. We are not incorporating by reference that website or any material it includes in this pricing supplement.
Index Composition and Selection Criteria
The UKX consists of the 100 largest U.K.-listed blue chip companies, based on full market capitalization, that pass screening tests for price and liquidity. The UKX is reviewed on a quarterly basis in March, June, September and December based on data from the close of business on the Tuesday before the first Friday of the review month. The FTSE Europe, Middle East & Africa Regional Advisory Committee (the “Committee”), meets quarterly to approve the constituents of the UKX. These meetings are held on the Wednesday before the first Friday in March, June, September and December. Any constituent changes are implemented after the close of business on the third Friday of the review month (i.e., effective Monday), following the expiration of the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange futures and options contracts.
Eligibility Standards
Only “premium listed” equity shares, as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority in its Listing Rules Sourcebook, are eligible for inclusion in the UKX. Eligible stocks must pass price and liquidity screens before being included in the UKX. Additionally, a stock must have a free float (as described below) of greater than 5%.
Price Screen — With regard to the price screen, the Committee must be satisfied that an accurate and reliable price exists for purposes of determining the market value of a company. To be eligible for inclusion in the UKX, a stock must have a full listing on the London Stock Exchange with a Sterling-denominated price on SETS (the London Stock Exchange’s trading service for UK blue chip securities).
Minimum Voting Rights Screen — Companies are required to have greater than 5% of the company’s voting rights (aggregated across all of its equity securities, including, where identifiable, those that are not listed or trading) in the hands of unrestricted shareholders in order to be eligible for index inclusion. Current constituents who do not meet this requirement will have until the September 2022 review to meet the requirement or they will be removed from the index.
Liquidity Screen — With regard to liquidity, each eligible stock is tested for liquidity annually in June by calculating its median daily trading per month. When calculating the median of daily trades per month of any security, a minimum of five trading days in each month must exist, otherwise the month is excluded from the test. Liquidity is tested from the first business day in May of the previous year to the last business day of April. The median trade is calculated by ranking each daily trade total and selecting the middle-ranking day. Any period of suspension is not included in the test. The liquidity test is applied on a pro-rata basis where the testing period is less than 12 months. A stock not presently included in the UKX that does not turnover at least 0.025% of its shares in issue (after application of any investability weightings) based on its median daily trade per month in at least ten of the 12 months prior to the annual index review in June will not be eligible for inclusion until the next annual review. An existing constituent failing to trade at least 0.015% of its shares in issue (after the application of any investability weightings) based on its median daily trade per month for at least eight of the 12 months prior to the annual index review will be removed from the UKX and will not be eligible for inclusion until the next annual review. New issues will become eligible for inclusion in the UKX at the quarterly review following their issuance provided that they have a minimum trading record of at least 20 trading days prior to the review date and that they have turned over at least 0.025% of their shares in issue (after the application of any investability weightings) based on their median daily trade per month since listing.
Market Capitalization Ranking — Eligible stocks that pass the price and liquidity screens are ranked by the Committee according to their market capitalization before the application of any adjustments based on the extent to which the shares are publicly traded. Only the quoted equity capital of a constituent company will be included in the calculation of its market capitalization. Where a company has two or more classes of equity, secondary lines will be included in the calculation of the market capitalization of the company only if those lines are significant and liquid. The Committee will add a stock to the UKX at the quarterly review if it has risen to 90th place or above on the full market capitalization rankings and will delete a stock at the quarterly review if it has fallen to 111th place or below on these rankings. Market capitalization rankings are calculated using data as of the close of business on the day before the review.
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100 Constituent Limitation — The UKX always contains 100 constituents. If a greater number of companies qualify to be inserted in the UKX than qualify to be removed, the lowest ranking constituents of the UKX will be removed so that the total number of stocks remains at 100 following inclusion of those that qualify to be inserted. Likewise, if a greater number of companies qualify to be removed than to be inserted at the quarterly review, securities of the highest ranking companies that are then not included in the UKX will be inserted to match the number of companies being removed, in order to maintain the total at 100.
Index Calculation
The UKX is a market capitalization weighted index. This means that the price movement of a larger company (that is, one representing larger percentage of the UKX) will have a greater effect on the level of the UKX than will the price movement of a smaller company (that is, one representing a smaller percentage of the UKX).
The value of the UKX is represented by a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the sum of the product of (i) the price of each component stock, (ii) the number of shares issued for each such component and (iii) a free float factor for each such component (described more fully below), and (b) the denominator of which is a divisor. The divisor represents the total issued share capital of the UKX on the base date; the divisor may be adjusted as necessary to allow for changes in issued share capital of individual securities without distorting the UKX.
As noted above, a free float factor is applied to each index component. By employing this approach, FTSE uses the investable market capitalization, not the total market capitalization, of each constituent to determine the value of the UKX. Investable market capitalization depends on free float. The following are excluded from free float: shares directly owned by state, regional, municipal and local governments (excluding shares held by independently managed pension schemes for governments); shares held by sovereign wealth funds where each holding is 10% or greater of the total number of shares in issue (if the holding subsequently decreases below 10%, the shares will be excluded from free float until the holding falls below 7%); shares held by directors, senior executives and managers of the company, and by their family and direct relations, and by companies with which they are affiliated; shares held within employee share plans; shares held by public companies or by non-listed subsidiaries of public companies; shares held by founders, promoters, former directors, founding venture capital and private equity firms, private companies and individuals (including employees) where the holding is 10% or greater of the total number of shares in issue (if the holding subsequently decreases below 10%, the shares will be excluded from free float until the holding falls below 7%); all shares where the holder is subject to a lock-in clause (for the duration of that clause, after which free float changes resulting from the expiration of a lock-in clause will be implemented at the next quarterly review subsequent to there being a minimum of 20 business days between the expiration date of such lock-in clause and the index review date); shares held for publicly announced strategic reasons, including shares held by several holders acting in concert; and shares that are subject to ongoing contractual agreements (such as swaps) where they would ordinarily be treated as restricted.
The UKX is recalculated whenever errors or distortions occur that are deemed to be significant. Users of the UKX are notified through appropriate media.
Index Maintenance
The UKX is reviewed quarterly for changes in free float. A stock’s free float is also reviewed and adjusted if necessary following certain corporate events. Following a takeover or merger involving one or more index constituents, the free float restrictions will be based on restricted holdings in the successor company and will be implemented when the offer has completed (or lapsed) unless it directly reflects a corporate action independent of and not conditional on the takeover or merger completing or lapsing. If the corporate event includes another corporate action that affects the UKX, a change in free float is implemented at the same time as the corporate action. If there is no corporate action, the change in free float will be applied at the next quarterly review. Following the application of an initial free float restriction, a stock’s free float will only be changed if its rounded free float moves more than three percentage points above or below the existing rounded free float. Companies with a free float of above 99% and of 15% or below will not be subject to the three percentage points threshold.
At each quarterly review, the Committee publishes a Reserve List containing the six highest ranking non-constituents of the UKX. The Reserve List will be used in the event that one or more constituents are deleted from the UKX during the period up to the next quarterly review. If a merger or takeover results in one index constituent being absorbed by another constituent, the resulting company will remain a constituent and a vacancy will be created. This vacancy will be filled by selecting the highest ranking security in the Reserve List as at the close of the index calculation two days prior to the deletion and related index adjustment. If an index constituent is taken over by a non-constituent company, the original constituent will be removed and replaced by the highest ranking non-constituent on the Reserve List. Any eligible company resulting from the takeover will be eligible to become the replacement company if it is ranked higher than any other company on the Reserve List. If a constituent company is split to
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form two or more companies, then the resulting companies will be eligible for inclusion as index constituents, based on their respective full market capitalizations (before the application of any investability weightings), provided that they qualify in all other respects. Any eligible company resulting from a split that has no available market price after 20 business days will be removed. If a split results in the inclusion of an ineligible non-equity security, such security will remain in the UKX for two trading days and then be removed. If a constituent is delisted or ceases to have a firm quotation, it will be removed from the list of constituents and be replaced by the highest ranking eligible company from the Reserve List as at the close of the index calculation two days prior to the deletion.
Capitalization Adjustments
A premium listed secondary line of a company will be considered for index inclusion if its total market capitalization before the application of any adjustments based on the extent to which the shares are publicly traded, is greater than 25% of the total market capitalization of the company’s principal line and the secondary line is eligible, in its own right. Should the total market capitalization of a secondary line fall below 20% of the total market capitalization of the company’s principal line at an annual review, the secondary line will be deleted from the UKX unless its total market capitalization remains above the qualification level for continued inclusion as a constituent of the UKX at that review. Where a company has partly paid shares, these shares, together with the outstanding call(s), are both included in the UKX. Warrants to purchase ordinary shares and convertible securities are not included in the UKX until they are exercised or converted.
Share Weighting Changes — For the purposes of computing the UKX, the number of shares in issue for each constituent security is expressed to the nearest share and, to prevent a large number of insignificant weighting changes, the number of shares in issue for each constituent security is amended only when the total shares in issue held within the index system changes by more than 1% on a cumulative basis. Changes will be made quarterly after the close of business on the third Friday of March, June, September and December. The data for these changes will be taken from the close of business on the third Wednesday of the month prior to the review month.
If a corporate action is applied to a constituent, which involves a change in the number of shares in issue, the change in shares will be applied simultaneously with the corporate action. If accumulated changes in the number of shares in issue add up to 10% or more or when an accumulated share change represents $2 billion of a company’s total market capitalization, they are implemented between quarters. If an adjustment is made, it will be applied for the first time at the next review in March of the following year. All adjustments are made before the start of the index calculation on the day concerned, unless market conditions prevent this.
Shares in Issue Increase — When a company increases the number of shares it has in issue, the market capitalization of that company increases and the total market capitalization will rise accordingly. The index divisor is adjusted to maintain a constant index value.
Weighting Amendments — The market capitalization of a company is adjusted to take account of various corporate actions, in accordance with the rules of the UKX. To prevent the value of the UKX from changing due to such an event, all corporate actions which affect the market capitalization of the UKX require an offsetting divisor adjustment. By adjusting the divisor, the value of the UKX remains constant before and after the event. Below is a summary of the more frequent corporate actions and their resulting adjustment.
Market Disruption
If there is a system problem or situation in the market that is judged by FTSE to affect the quality of the constituent prices at any time when the UKX is being calculated, the UKX will be declared indicative (e.g., normally where a “fast market” exists in the equity market). The message “IND” will be displayed against the index value calculated by FTSE. The Committee must be satisfied that an accurate and reliable price for the purposes of determining the market value of a company exists. The Committee may exclude a security from the UKX should it consider that an “accurate and reliable” price is not available.
If any event leads to an error in the value of the UKX that is greater than three basis points at the local country index level, then the UKX will generally be recalculated, subject to discovery, within one month of the event. Where an alternative approach is available, FTSE may, at its sole discretion, choose not to recalculate.
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The following graph sets forth the daily historical performance of the UKX in the period from January 1, 2008 through June 1, 2018. This historical data on the UKX is not necessarily indicative of its future performance or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the UKX during any period set forth below is not an indication that the level of the UKX is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes. The horizontal line in the graph is 5,391.24, which is 70% of the hypothetical UKX Starting Value of 7,701.77, which was the closing level of the UKX on June 1, 2018 (rounded to two decimal places).
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the UKX.
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SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION; ROLE OF MLPF&S AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
MLPF&S, a broker-dealer affiliate of ours, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and will participate as selling agent in the distribution of the notes. Accordingly, the offering of the notes will conform to the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121. MLPF&S may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the account holder.
Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount. MLPF&S will sell the notes to other broker-dealers that will participate in the offering and that are not affiliated with us, at an agreed discount to the principal amount. Each of those broker-dealers may sell the notes to one or more additional broker-dealers. MLPF&S has informed us that these discounts may vary from dealer to dealer and that not all dealers will purchase or repurchase the notes at the same discount.
We expect to deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than two business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than two business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
MLPF&S and any of our other broker-dealer affiliates, may use this pricing supplement, and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus for offers and sales in secondary market transactions and market-making transactions in the notes. However, they are not obligated to engage in such secondary market transactions and/or market-making transactions. The selling agent may act as principal or agent in these transactions, and any such sales will be made at prices related to prevailing market conditions at the time of the sale.
At MLPF&S’s discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Underlying and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, the Guarantor, MLPF&S or any of our other affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that any party will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.
Any price that MLPF&S may pay to repurchase the notes will depend upon then prevailing market conditions, the creditworthiness of us and the Guarantor, and transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
No Prospectus (as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the “Prospectus Directive”)) will be prepared in connection with these notes. Accordingly, these notes may not be offered to the public in any member state of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), and any purchaser of these notes who subsequently sells any of these notes in any EEA member state must do so only in accordance with the requirements of the Prospectus Directive, as implemented in that member state.
The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, the expression “offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, and a “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of: (a) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); or (b) a customer, within the meaning of Insurance Distribution Directive 2016/97/EU, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (c) not a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014, as amended (the “PRIIPs Regulation”), for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared, and therefore, offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.
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STRUCTURING THE NOTES
The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Underlyings. The related guarantees are BAC’s obligations. As is the case for all of our and BAC’s respective debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our and BAC’s actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because market-linked notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us and BAC, BAC typically borrows the funds under these types of notes at a rate, which we refer to in this pricing supplement as BAC’s internal funding rate, that is more favorable to BAC than the rate that it might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security. 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.
In order to meet our payment obligations on the notes, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with MLPF&S or one of our other affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined based upon terms provided by MLP&S and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our and BAC’s creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Underlyings, the tenor of the notes and the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include hedging related charges, reflecting the costs associated with, and our affiliates’ profit earned from, these hedging arrangements. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, actual profits or losses from these hedging transactions may be more or less than any expected amounts.
For further information, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-8 above and “Supplemental Use of Proceeds” on page PS-16 of product supplement EQUITY-1.
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U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY
The following summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the notes supplements, and to the extent inconsistent supersedes, the discussions under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus and under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. In addition, any reference to “Morrison & Foerster LLP” in the aforementioned tax discussions in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement should be read as a reference to “Sidley Austin LLP.”
This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), regulations promulgated under the Code by the U.S. Treasury Department (“Treasury”) (including proposed and temporary regulations), rulings, current administrative interpretations and official pronouncements of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. This summary does not include any description of the tax laws of any state or local governments, or of any foreign government, that may be applicable to a particular holder.
Although the notes are issued by us, they will be treated as if they were issued by Bank of America Corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly throughout this discussion, references to “we,” “our” or “us” are generally to Bank of America Corporation unless the context requires otherwise.
This summary is directed solely to U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders that, except as otherwise specifically noted, will purchase the notes upon original issuance and will hold the notes as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, which generally means property held for investment, and that are not excluded from the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus.
You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.
General
Although there is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the notes, in the opinion of our counsel, Sidley Austin LLP, and based on certain factual representations received from us, the notes should be treated as single financial contracts with respect to the Underlyings and under the terms of the notes, we and every investor in the notes agree, in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to treat the notes in accordance with such characterization. This discussion assumes that the notes constitute single financial contracts with respect to the Underlyings for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the notes did not constitute single financial contracts, the tax consequences described below would be materially different.
This characterization of the notes is not binding on the IRS or the courts. No statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the notes or any similar instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to their proper characterization and treatment. Due to the absence of authorities on point, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are not certain, and no assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with the characterization and tax treatment described in this supplement. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including possible alternative characterizations.
Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on the characterization described above. The discussion in this section assumes that there is a significant possibility of a significant loss of principal on an investment in the notes.
We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of any component stocks included in an Underlying would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”), within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code, or a United States real property holding corporation, within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code. If an issuer of one or more stocks included in an Underlying were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply to a holder of the notes. You
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should refer to information filed with the SEC by the issuers of the component stocks included in the Underlyings and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you, if any, if any issuer of the component stocks included in the Underlying is or becomes a PFIC or is or becomes a United States real property holding corporation.
U.S. Holders
Upon receipt of a cash payment at maturity or upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of the notes prior to maturity, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the notes. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the notes will equal the amount paid by that holder to acquire them. This capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the notes for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Alternative Tax Treatments. Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper tax treatment of the notes, prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding all possible alternative tax treatments of an investment in the notes. In particular, the IRS could seek to subject the notes to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. If the IRS were successful in that regard, the timing and character of income on the notes would be affected significantly. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue original issue discount every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance. In addition, any gain realized by a U.S. Holder at maturity or upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of the notes generally would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized at maturity would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s prior accruals of original issue discount, and as capital loss thereafter.
The IRS released Notice 2008-2 (the “Notice”), which sought comments from the public on the taxation of financial instruments currently taxed as “prepaid forward contracts.” This Notice addresses instruments such as the notes. According to the Notice, the IRS and Treasury are considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, regardless of whether any payments are made prior to maturity. It is not possible to determine what guidance the IRS and Treasury will ultimately issue, if any. Any such future guidance may affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain, or loss in respect of the notes, possibly with retroactive effect.
The IRS and Treasury are also considering additional issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, whether Section 1260 of the Code, concerning certain “constructive ownership transactions,” generally applies or should generally apply to such instruments, and whether any of these determinations depend on the nature of the underlying asset.
In addition, proposed Treasury regulations require the accrual of income on a current basis for contingent payments made under certain notional principal contracts. The preamble to the regulations states that the “wait and see” method of accounting does not properly reflect the economic accrual of income on those contracts, and requires current accrual of income for some contracts already in existence. While the proposed regulations do not apply to prepaid forward contracts, the preamble to the proposed regulations expresses the view that similar timing issues exist in the case of prepaid forward contracts. If the IRS or Treasury publishes future guidance requiring current economic accrual for contingent payments on prepaid forward contracts, it is possible that you could be required to accrue income over the term of the notes.
Because of the absence of authority regarding the appropriate tax characterization of the notes, it is also possible that the IRS could seek to characterize the notes in a manner that results in tax consequences that are different from those described above. For example, the IRS could possibly assert that any gain or loss that a holder may recognize at maturity or upon the sale, exchange or redemption of the notes should be treated as ordinary gain or loss.
Because each Underlying is an index that periodically rebalances, it is possible that the notes could be treated as a series of single financial contracts, each of which matures on the next rebalancing date. If the notes were properly characterized in such a manner, a U.S. Holder would be treated as disposing of the notes on each rebalancing date in return for new notes that mature on the next rebalancing date, and a U.S. Holder would accordingly likely recognize capital gain or loss on each rebalancing date equal to the difference between the holder’s tax basis in the notes (which would be adjusted to take into account any prior recognition of gain or loss) and the fair market value of the notes on such date.
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Non-U.S. Holders
Except as discussed below, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax for amounts paid in respect of the notes provided that the Non-U.S. Holder complies with applicable certification requirements and that the payment is not effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a U.S. trade or business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale, exchange, or redemption of the notes or their settlement at maturity may be subject to U.S. federal income tax if that Non-U.S. Holder is a non-resident alien individual and is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the settlement at maturity, sale, exchange, or redemption and certain other conditions are satisfied.
If a Non-U.S. Holder of the notes is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and if gain realized on the settlement at maturity, or upon sale, exchange, or redemption of the notes, is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S.), the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such gain on a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. Such Non-U.S. Holders should read the material under the heading “—U.S. Holders,” for a description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by any applicable tax treaty) of a portion of its earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the U.S., subject to certain adjustments.
A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a Non-U.S. Holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, Internal Revenue Service guidance provides that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2019. Based on our determination that the notes are not delta one instruments, Non-U.S. Holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the notes. However, it is possible that the notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Underlyings or the notes, and following such occurrence the notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. Holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Underlyings or the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.
As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization, by reason of change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments as to the notes to become subject to withholding tax, tax will be withheld at the applicable statutory rate. As discussed above, the IRS has indicated in the Notice that it is considering whether income in respect of instruments such as the notes should be subject to withholding tax. Prospective Non-U.S. Holders of the notes should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax. Under current law, while the matter is not entirely clear, individual Non-U.S. Holders, and entities whose property is potentially includible in those individuals’ gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, a note is likely to be treated as U.S. situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in a note.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Debt Securities — Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on the notes.
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