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Subject to Completion Preliminary Term Sheet dated April 2, 2019 |
Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration Statement No. 333-216286 (To Prospectus dated March 28, 2017, Prospectus Supplement dated November 6, 2018 and Product Supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated March 30, 2017) |
Units |
Pricing Date* |
April , 2019 May , 2019 April , 2022 | |||
*Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the pricing date)
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index § Maturity of approximately three years, if not called prior to maturity § Automatic call of the notes per unit at $10 plus the applicable Call Premium ([$1.00 to $1.10] on the first Observation Date, and [$2.00 to $2.20] on the final Observation Date) if the Index is flat or increases above 100.00% of the Starting Value on the relevant Observation Date § The Observation Dates will occur approximately one year and two years after the pricing date § If the notes are not called, at maturity: § a return of 30.00% if the Index is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value § a return equal to the percentage increase in the Index if the Index increases above the Step Up Value § 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Index, with up to 100.00% of your principal at risk § All payments are subject to the credit risk of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce § No periodic interest payments § In addition to the underwriting discount set forth below, the notes include a hedging-related charge of $0.075 per unit. See Structuring the Notes § Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing § The notes are unsecured debt securities and are not savings accounts or insured deposits of a bank. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Canada, or any other jurisdiction
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The notes are being issued by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See Risk Factors and Additional Risk Factors beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and Risk Factors beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.681 and $9.863 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See Summary on the following page, Risk Factors beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and Structuring the Notes on page TS-15 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Unit |
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Total |
Public offering price(1) |
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$ 10.00 |
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$ |
Underwriting discount(1) |
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$ 0.20 |
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$ |
Proceeds, before expenses, to CIBC |
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$ 9.80 |
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$ |
(1) For any purchase of 500,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investors household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively. See Supplement to the Plan of Distribution below.
The notes:
Are Not FDIC Insured |
Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
May Lose Value |
Merrill Lynch & Co.
April , 2019
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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Summary
The Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, due April , 2022 (the notes) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency in the United States, Canada or any other jurisdiction or secured by collateral. The notes are not bail-inable notes (as defined on page S-2 of the prospectus supplement). The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of CIBC. The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the Observation Level of the Market Measure, which is the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index), is equal to or greater than the Call Level on the relevant Observation Date. If the notes are not called, at maturity, the notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Index is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the level of the Index above the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, you will lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes. Any payments on the notes will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Index, subject to our credit risk. See Terms of the Notes below.
The economic terms of the notes (including the Call Premiums and Call Amounts) are based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.
On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This initial estimated value range was determined based on our pricing models. The initial estimated value as of the pricing date will be based on our internal funding rate on the pricing date, market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, and our assumptions about market parameters. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see Structuring the Notes on page TS-15.
Terms of the Notes
Issuer: |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) |
Call Settlement Dates: |
Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement if the related Observation Date is postponed, as described on page PS-19 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. |
Principal Amount: |
$10.00 per unit |
Call Premiums: |
[$1.00 to $1.10] per unit if called on the first Observation Date (which represents a return of [10.00% to 11.00%] over the principal amount), and [$2.00 to $2.20] per unit if called on the final Observation Date (which represents a return of [20.00% to 22.00%] over the principal amount). The actual Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date. |
Term: |
Approximately three years, if not called |
Ending Value: |
The closing level of the Index on the calculation day. The scheduled calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. |
Market Measure: |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Bloomberg symbol: MXEF), a price return index |
Step Up Value: |
130.00% of the Starting Value, rounded to three decimal places. |
Starting Value: |
The closing level of the Index on the pricing date. |
Step Up Payment: |
$3.00 per unit, which represents a return of 30.00% over the principal amount. |
Observation Level: |
The closing level of the Index on the applicable Observation Date. |
Threshold Value: |
100.00% of the Starting Value |
Observation Dates: |
On or about May , 2020 and April , 2021, approximately one and two years after the pricing date. The scheduled Observation Dates are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-19 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. |
Calculation Day: |
Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date. |
Call Level: |
100.00% of the Starting Value |
Fees and Charges: |
The underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in Structuring the Notes on page TS-15. |
Call Amounts (per Unit): |
[$11.00 to $11.10] if called on the first Observation Date, and [$12.00 to $12.20] if called on the final Observation Date. The actual Call Amounts will be determined on the pricing date. |
Calculation Agent: |
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S). |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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Determining Payment on the Notes
Automatic Call Provision
The notes will be called automatically on an Observation Date if the Observation Level on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the applicable Call Premium.
Redemption Amount Determination
If the notes are not automatically called, on the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:
§ Product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated March 30, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465917020280/a17-7416_9424b5.htm
§ Prospectus dated March 28, 2017 and prospectus supplement dated November 6, 2018:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465918066166/a18-37094_1424b2.htm
These documents (together, the Note Prospectus) have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from MLPF&S by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. When you read the accompanying product supplement, please note that all references in such supplement to the prospectus supplement dated March 28, 2017, or to any sections therein, should refer instead to the accompanying prospectus supplement dated November 6, 2018 or to the corresponding sections of such prospectus supplement, as applicable, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to we, us, our, or similar references are to CIBC.
Investor Considerations
You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if: |
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The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if: |
§ You are willing to receive a return on your investment capped at the applicable Call Premium if the relevant Observation Level is equal to or greater than the Call Level. § You anticipate that the notes will be automatically called or that the Index will not decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. § You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the notes are not automatically called and the Index decreases from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is less than the Threshold Value. § You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities. § You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index. § You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes. § You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Call Amount or the Redemption Amount. |
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§ You want to hold your notes for the full term. § You believe that the notes will not be automatically called and the Index will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. § You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital. § You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment. § You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Index. § You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market. § You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes. |
We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity
The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values. The graph below shows a payout profile at maturity, which would only apply if the notes are not called on any Observation Date.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Threshold Value of 100.00% of the Starting Value, the Step Up Payment of $3.00 per unit and the Step Up Value of 130.00% of the Starting Value. The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Index, excluding dividends.
This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only. |
The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes, assuming the notes are not called on any Observation Date. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00, a hypothetical Threshold Value of 100.00, a hypothetical Step Up Value of 130.00, the Step Up Payment of $3.00 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Step Up Value and Ending Value, whether the notes are called on an Observation Date, and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.
For recent actual levels of the Index, see The Index section below. The Index is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.
Ending Value |
Percentage Change from the |
Redemption Amount |
Total Rate of Return on the |
0.00 |
-100.00% |
$0.00 |
-100.00% |
50.00 |
-50.00% |
$5.00 |
-50.00% |
75.00 |
-25.00% |
$7.50 |
-25.00% |
80.00 |
-20.00% |
$8.00 |
-20.00% |
85.00 |
-15.00% |
$8.50 |
-15.00% |
90.00 |
-10.00% |
$9.00 |
-10.00% |
95.00 |
-5.00% |
$9.50 |
-5.00% |
100.00(1) (2) |
0.00% |
$13.00(3) |
30.00% |
105.00 |
5.00% |
$13.00 |
30.00% |
110.00 |
10.00% |
$13.00 |
30.00% |
120.00 |
20.00% |
$13.00 |
30.00% |
130.00(4) |
30.00% |
$13.00 |
30.00% |
140.00 |
40.00% |
$14.00 |
40.00% |
150.00 |
50.00% |
$15.00 |
50.00% |
160.00 |
60.00% |
$16.00 |
60.00% |
(1) This is the hypothetical Threshold Value.
(2) The hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for the Index.
(3) This amount represents the sum of the principal amount and the Step Up Payment of $3.00.
(4) This is the hypothetical Step Up Value.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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Redemption Amount Calculation Examples
Example 1
The Ending Value is 50.00, or 50.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Threshold Value: 100.00
Ending Value: 50.00
Redemption Amount per unit |
Example 2
The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Step Up Value: 130.00
Ending Value: 110.00
Redemption Amount per unit, the principal amount plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value. |
Example 3
The Ending Value is 143.00, or 143.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Step Up Value: 130.00
Ending Value: 143.00
Redemption Amount per unit |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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Risk Factors
There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the Risk Factors sections beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1, page S-1 of the prospectus supplement, and page 1 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.
§ If the notes are not automatically called, depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly before the maturity date, you may lose up to 100% of the principal amount.
§ Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.
§ If the notes are called, your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium.
§ Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.
§ Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.
§ Our initial estimated value of the notes will be lower than the public offering price of the notes. The public offering price of the notes will exceed our initial estimated value because costs associated with selling and structuring the notes, as well as hedging the notes, all as further described in Structuring the Notes on page TS-15, are included in the public offering price of the notes.
§ Our initial estimated value does not represent future values of the notes and may differ from others estimates. Our initial estimated value is only an estimate, which will be determined by reference to our internal pricing models when the terms of the notes are set. This estimated value will be based on market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, our internal funding rate on the pricing date and our assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are greater or less than our initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the market value of the notes could change significantly based on, among other things, changes in market conditions, including the value of the Market Measure, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors, which may impact the price at which MLPF&S or any other party would be willing to buy notes from you in any secondary market transactions. Our estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which MLPF&S or any other party would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time.
§ Our initial estimated value of the notes will not be determined by reference to credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The internal funding rate to be used in the determination of our initial estimated value of the notes generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The discount is based on, among other things, our view of the funding value of the notes as well as the higher issuance, operational and ongoing liability management costs of the notes in comparison to those costs for our conventional fixed-rate debt. If we were to use the interest rate implied by our conventional fixed-rate debt, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate for market-linked notes would have an adverse effect on the economic terms of the notes, the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date, and any secondary market prices of the notes.
§ A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.
§ Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Index), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates engage in for our clients accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.
§ The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that affects its level, and has no obligation to consider your interests.
§ You will have no rights of a holder of the securities represented by the Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.
§ While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Index, we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Index, and have not verified any disclosure made by any other company.
§ Your return on the notes may be affected by exchange rate movements and factors affecting international securities markets.
§ There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is MLPF&S. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.
§ The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences below and U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary beginning on page
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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PS-31 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes, see Material Income Tax ConsequencesCanadian Taxation in the prospectus dated March 28, 2017, as supplemented by the discussion under Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations herein.
Additional Risk Factors
There are risks associated with emerging markets.
An investment in the notes will involve risks that are associated with investments that are linked to the equity securities of issuers from emerging markets. Many of the issuers included in the Index are based in nations that are undergoing rapid institutional change, including the restructuring of economic, political, financial and legal systems. The regulatory and tax environments in these nations may be subject to change without review or appeal and many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of their capital markets and their tax systems. In addition, in some of these nations, issuers of the relevant securities face the threat of expropriation of their assets and/or nationalization of their businesses. It may be more difficult for an investor in these markets to monitor investments in these companies, because these companies may be subject to fewer disclosure requirements than companies in developed markets, and economic and financial data about some of these countries may be unreliable.
Other Terms of the Notes
Market Measure Business Day
The following definition shall supersede and replace the definition of a Market Measure Business Day set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
A Market Measure Business Day means a day on which:
(A) the London Stock Exchange, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the São Paulo Stock Exchange, and the Korea Stock Exchange (or any successor to the foregoing exchanges) are open for trading; and
(B) the Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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The Index
All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding the Index, including, without limitation, its make up, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources, which we have not independently verified. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, MSCI Inc. (the Index sponsor or MSCI). The Index sponsor, which licenses the copyright and all other rights to the Index, has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of the Index sponsor discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed in the section entitled Description of the NotesDiscontinuance of an Index beginning on page PS-21 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index
The MXEF offers a representation of emerging markets based on the following countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. With more than 800 constituents, the MXEF covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. It is based on the Global Investable Market Indices methodology which emphasizes index liquidity, investibility and replicability. The MXEF has a base value of 100.00 and a base date of December 31, 1987. As of April 30, 2018, the five largest country weights were China (30.10%), South Korea (15.60%), Taiwan (11.23%), India (8.48%) and Brazil (7.20%), and the five largest sector weights were Information Technology (27.30%), Financials (23.83 %), Consumer Discretionary (9.49%), Materials (7.56%) and Energy (7.31%).
General MSCI Indices
The MSCI indices were founded in 1969 by Capital International as the first international performance benchmarks constructed to facilitate accurate comparison of world markets. Morgan Stanley acquired the rights to license the MSCI indices in 1986. In November 1998, Morgan Stanley transferred all rights to the MSCI indices to MSCI, a Delaware corporation formed and operated jointly by Morgan Stanley and Capital International. In 2004, MSCI acquired Barra, Inc., a provider of risk analytics, and firm-wide investment risk management systems and services and merged this with MSCI. In 2007, MSCI completed an initial public offering and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with Morgan Stanley retaining a controlling interest. In 2009, MSCI and Morgan Stanley fully separated. The MSCI single country standard equity indices have covered the worlds developed markets since 1969, and in 1988, MSCI commenced coverage of the emerging markets.
MSCI provides global equity indices intended to measure equity performance in international markets and the MSCI indices are designed to serve as global equity performance benchmarks. In constructing these indices, MSCI applies its index construction and maintenance methodology across developed, emerging and frontier markets.
MSCI enhanced the methodology used in its international equity indices. The MSCI Standard and MSCI Small Cap Indices, along with the other MSCI equity indices based on them, transitioned to the Global Investable Market Indexes methodology described below. The transition was completed at the end of May 2008. The enhanced MSCI Standard Indices are composed of the MSCI Large Cap and Mid Cap Indices. The MSCI Global Small Cap Index transitioned to the MSCI Small Cap Index resulting from the Global Investable Market Indices methodology and contains no overlap with constituents of the transitioned MSCI Standard Indices. Together, the relevant MSCI Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap Indices will make up the MSCI investable market index for each country, composite, sector, and style index that MSCI offers.
Index Construction
MSCI undertakes an index construction process for the MSCI Global Investable Market Indexes, which involves:
· defining the equity universe;
· determining the market investable equity universe for each market;
· determining market capitalization size segments for each market;
· applying index continuity rules for the MSCI Standard Index;
· creating style segments within each size segment within each market; and
· classifying securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard (the GICS).
Defining the Equity Universe. The equity universe is defined by:
· Identifying Eligible Equity Securities: all listed equity securities, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and certain income trusts listed in Canada are eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and business trusts, which are listed in the United States and are not structured to be taxed as limited partnerships, are likewise eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Conversely, mutual funds, ETFs, equity derivatives, and most investment trusts are not eligible for inclusion in the equity universe.
· Classifying Eligible Securities into the Appropriate Country: each company and its securities (i.e., share classes) are classified in only one country. Countries will be classified as Developed Markets (DM), Emerging Markets (EM) or Frontier Markets (FM).
Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes |
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Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes
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Determining the Market Investable Equity Universes. A market investable equity universe for a market is derived by identifying eligible listings for each security in the equity universe and applying investability screens to individual companies and securities in the equity universe that are classified in that market. A market is equivalent to a single country, except in DM Europe, where all DM countries in Europe are aggregated into a single market for index construction purposes. Subsequently, individual DM Europe country indices within the MSCI Europe Index are derived from the constituents of the MSCI Europe Index under the Global Investable Market Indexes methodology.
In identifying eligible listings, a security may have a listing in the country where it is classified (i.e. local listing) and/or in a different country (i.e. foreign listing). Securities may be represented by either a local listing or a foreign listing (including a depositary receipt) in the equity universe. A security may be represented by a foreign listing only if the following conditions are met:
· The security is classified in a country that meets the Foreign Listing Materiality Requirement, and
· The securitys foreign listing is traded on an eligible stock exchange of: (a) a DM country if the security is classified in a DM country; (b) a DM or an EM country if the security is classified in an EM country; or (c) a DM, EM or FM country if the security is classified in an FM country.
The investability screens used to determine the investable equity universe in each market are as follows:
· Equity Universe Minimum Size Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the company level. In order to be included in a market investable equity universe, a company must have the required minimum full market capitalization.
· Equity Universe Minimum Free Float-Adjusted Market Capitalization Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have a free float-adjusted market capitalization equal to or higher than 50% of the equity universe minimum size requirement.
· DM and EM Minimum Liquidity Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have adequate liquidity. The twelve-month and three-month Annual Traded Value Ratio (ATVR), a measure that screens out extreme daily trading volumes and takes into account the free float-adjusted market capitalization of securities, together with the three-month frequency of trading are used to measure liquidity. In the calculation of the ATVR, the trading volumes in depository receipts associated with that security, such as ADRs or GDRs, are also considered. A minimum liquidity level of 20% of three- and twelve-month ATVR and 90% of three-month frequency of trading over the last four consecutive quarters are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of a DM, and a minimum liquidity level of 15% of three- and twelve-month ATVR and 80% of three-month frequency of trading over the last four consecutive quarters are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of an EM.
· Global Minimum Foreign Inclusion Factor Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a securitys Foreign Inclusion Factor (FIF) must reach a certain threshold. The FIF of a security is defined as the proportion of shares outstanding that is available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors. This proportion accounts for the available free float of and/or the foreign ownership limits applicable to a specific security (or company). In general, a security must have an FIF equal to or larger than 0.15 to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe.
· Minimum Length of Trading Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For an initial public offering (IPO) to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the new issue must have started trading at least four months before the implementation of the initial construction of the index or at least three months before the implementation of a Semi-Annual Index Review (as described below). This requirement is applicable to small new issues in all markets. Large IPOs are not subject to the minimum length of trading requirement and may be included in a market investable equity universe and the MSCI Standard Index outside of a Quarterly or Semi-Annual Index Review (as defined below).
· Minimum Foreign Room Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For a security that is subject to a Foreign Ownership Limit (FOL) to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the proportion of shares still available to foreign investors relative to the maximum allowed (referred to as foreign room) must be at least 15%.
Defining Market Capitalization Size Segments for Each Market. Once a market investable equity universe is defined, it is segmented into the following size-based indices:
· Investable Market Index (Large + Mid + Small);
· Standard Index (Large + Mid);
· Large Cap Index;
· Mid Cap Index; or
· Small Cap Index.
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Creating the size segment indices in each market involves the following steps:
· defining the market coverage target range for each size segment;
· determining the global minimum size range for each size segment;
· determining the market size segment cutoffs and associated segment number of companies;
· assigning companies to the size segments; and
· applying final size segment investability requirements.
Index Continuity Rules for the Standard Indices. In order to achieve index continuity, as well as to provide some basic level of diversification within a market index, and notwithstanding the effect of other index construction rules described in this section, a minimum number of five constituents will be maintained for a DM Standard Index and a minimum number of three constituents will be maintained for an EM Standard Index.
Creating Style Indices within Each Size Segment. All securities in the investable equity universe are classified into value or growth segments using the MSCI Global Value and Growth methodology.
Classifying Securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard. All securities in the global investable equity universe are assigned to the industry that best describes their business activities. To this end, MSCI has designed, in conjunction with Standard & Poors, the GICS. Under the GICS, each company is assigned to one sub-industry according to its principal business activity. Therefore, a company can belong to only one industry grouping at each of the four levels of the GICS.
Index Maintenance
The MSCI Global Investable Market Indexes are maintained with the objective of reflecting the evolution of the underlying equity markets and segments on a timely basis, while seeking to achieve index continuity, continuous investability of constituents and replicability of the indices, index stability and low index turnover. In particular, index maintenance involves:
(i) Semi-Annual Index Reviews (SAIRs) in May and November of the Size Segment and Global Value and Growth Indices which include:
· updating the indices on the basis of a fully refreshed equity universe;
· taking buffer rules into consideration for migration of securities across size and style segments; and
· updating FIFs and Number of Shares (NOS).
(ii) Quarterly Index Reviews (QIRs) in February and August of the Size Segment Indices aimed at:
· including significant new eligible securities (such as IPOs that were not eligible for earlier inclusion) in the index;
· allowing for significant moves of companies within the Size Segment Indices, using wider buffers than in the SAIR; and
· reflecting the impact of significant market events on FIFs and updating NOS.
(iii) Ongoing Event-Related Changes: changes of this type are generally implemented in the indices as they occur. Significantly large IPOs are included in the indices after the close of the companys tenth day of trading.
Calculation of the Index
The MSCI equity indices are free float-adjusted market capitalization indices that are designed to measure the market performance, including price performance, of the equity securities in an index. The MSCI equity indices are calculated using the Laspeyres concept of a weighted arithmetic average together with the concept of chain-linking. Each index component is included at a weight that reflects the ratio of its free float-adjusted market capitalization (i.e., free public float multiplied by price) to the free float-adjusted market capitalization of all the components included in the index. MSCI defines the free float of a security as the proportion of shares outstanding that is deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors.
Each MSCI Global Investable Market Index is calculated in the relevant local currency as well as in U.S. dollars, with price, gross and net returns.
Neither we nor any of our affiliates, or MLPF&S, accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of, or for any error, omission, or disruption in, the MSCI indices. MSCI does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the MSCI indices or any data included in the MSCI indices. MSCI assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or disruption in the calculation and dissemination of the MSCI indices. MSCI disclaims all responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and dissemination of the MSCI indices or the manner in which the MSCI indices are applied in determining the amount payable on the notes at maturity.
Prices and Exchange Rates
Prices. The prices used to calculate the MSCI indices are the official exchange closing prices or those figures accepted as such. MSCI reserves the right to use an alternative pricing source on any given day.
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Exchange Rates. MSCI uses the closing spot rates published by WM/Reuters at 4:00 p.m., London time. MSCI uses WM/Reuters rates for all countries for which it provides indices. In case WM/Reuters does not provide rates for specific markets on given days (for example Christmas Day and New Years Day), the previous business days rates are used. MSCI independently monitors the exchange rates on all its indices and may, under exceptional circumstances, elect to use an alternative exchange rate if the WM/Reuters rates are not available, or if MSCI determines that the WM/Reuters rates are not reflective of market circumstances for a given currency on a particular day. In such circumstances, an announcement would be sent to clients with the related information. If appropriate, MSCI may conduct a consultation with the investment community to gather feedback on the most relevant exchange rate.
The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index in the period from January 1, 2008 through March 28, 2019. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On March 28, 2019, the closing level of the Index was 1,045.21.
Historical Performance of the Index
This historical data on the Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.
Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the Index.
License Agreement
CIBC or one of its affiliates has entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with MSCI whereby CIBC and certain of its affiliates, in exchange for a fee, are permitted to use the Index in connection with certain securities, including the notes. We are not affiliated with MSCI, the only relationship between MSCI and us is any licensing of the use of MSCIs indices and trademarks relating to them.
The license agreement provides that the following language must be set forth herein:
THE NOTES ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI, ANY AFFILIATE OF MSCI OR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX. THE MSCI INDEXES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY CIBC. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADES NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDEXES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THE NOTES OR THE ISSUER OR OWNER OF THE NOTES. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUERS OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE NOTES TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE NOTES ARE REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, THE MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THE NOTES.
ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDEXES FROM SOURCES WHICH MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER
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PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY A LICENSEE, LICENSEES CUSTOMERS OR COUNTERPARTIES, ISSUERS OF THE NOTES, OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED HEREUNDER OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. NEITHER MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO ANY MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, MAKING OR COMPILING ANY MSCI INDEX HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
No purchaser, seller or holder of the notes, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote the notes without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCIs permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.
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Supplement to the Plan of Distribution
Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount.
The current business of MLPF&S is being reorganized into two affiliated broker-dealers: MLPF&S and a new broker-dealer, BofA Securities, Inc. (BofAS). BofAS will be the new legal entity for the institutional services that are now provided by MLPF&S. MLPF&S will be assigning its rights and obligations as agent for the notes under our distribution agreement to BofAS effective on the Transfer Date. Accordingly, if the pricing date of the notes occurs on or after the Transfer Date, BofAS will be responsible for the pricing of the notes. If the settlement date of the notes occurs on or after the Transfer Date, BofAS will, subject to the terms and conditions of the distribution agreement, purchase the notes from us as principal on the settlement date. MLPF&S will in turn purchase the notes from BofAS for resale, and it will receive a selling concession in connection with the sale of the notes in an amount up to the full amount of underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this term sheet.
We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than two business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than two business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to MLPF&S acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.
MLPF&S may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these prices will include MLPF&Ss trading commissions and mark-ups. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions. At MLPF&Ss discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Index and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, or any of our respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.
The value of the notes shown on your account statement will be based on MLPF&Ss estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S or another of its affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do. That estimate will be based upon the price that MLPF&S may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.
The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding CIBC or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
An investors household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:
o the investors spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouses parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor;
o a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investors household as described above; and
o a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investors household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustees personal account.
Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investors personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (IRAs), simplified employee pension plans (SEPs), savings incentive match plan for employees (SIMPLEs), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).
Please contact your Merrill Lynch financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.
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Structuring the Notes
The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Index. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the market-linked notes is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable maturity. This difference is based on, among other things, our view of the funding value of the notes as well as the higher issuance, operational and ongoing liability management costs of the notes in comparison to those costs for our conventional fixed-rate debt. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.
Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Index, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.
For further information, see Risk FactorsGeneral Risks Relating to the Notes beginning on page PS-7 and Use of Proceeds and Hedging on page PS-16 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
MLPF&S Reorganization
As discussed above under Supplement to the Plan of Distribution, the current business of MLPF&S is being reorganized into two affiliated broker-dealers. Effective on the Transfer Date, BofAS will be the new legal entity for the institutional services that are now provided by MLPF&S. As such, beginning on the Transfer Date, the institutional services currently being provided by MLPF&S, including acting as agent for the notes, acting as calculation agent for the notes, acting as principal or agent in secondary market-making transactions for the notes and entering into hedging arrangements with respect to the notes, are expected to be provided by BofAS. Accordingly, references to MLPF&S in this term sheet as such references relate to MLPF&Ss institutional services, such as those described above, should be read as references to BofAS to the extent these services are to be performed on or after the Transfer Date.
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Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
In the opinion of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, our Canadian tax counsel, the following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Canadian Tax Act) generally applicable at the date hereof to a purchaser who acquires beneficial ownership of a note pursuant to this term sheet and who for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations thereto and at all relevant times: (a) is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in Canada; (b) deals at arms length with CIBC and any transferee resident (or deemed to be resident) in Canada to whom the purchaser disposes of the note; (c) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the note in, or in the course of, carrying on a business in Canada; (d) is entitled to receive all payments (including any interest and principal) made on the note; and (e) is not a, and deals at arms length with any, specified shareholder of CIBC for purposes of the thin capitalization rules in the Canadian Tax Act (a Non-Resident Holder). A specified shareholder for these purposes generally includes a person who (either alone or together with persons with whom that person is not dealing at arms length for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act) owns or has the right to acquire or control or is otherwise deemed to own 25% or more of CIBCs shares determined on a votes or fair market value basis. Special rules which apply to non-resident insurers carrying on business in Canada and elsewhere are not discussed in this summary.
This summary is supplemental to and should be read together with the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Non-Resident Holder owning notes under Material Income Tax ConsequencesCanadian Taxation in the accompanying prospectus and a Non-Resident Holder should carefully read that description as well.
Based on Canadian tax counsels understanding of the Canada Revenue Agencys administrative policies and having regard to the terms of the notes, interest payable on the notes should not be considered to be participating debt interest as defined in the Canadian Tax Act and accordingly, a Non-Resident Holder should not be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax in respect of amounts paid or credited or deemed to have been paid or credited by CIBC on a note as, on account of or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, interest.
Non-Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the consequences to them of a disposition of the notes to a person with whom they are not dealing at arms length for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.
Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is a brief summary of the material U.S. federal income consequences relating to an investment in the notes. The following summary is not complete and is both qualified and supplemented by, or in some cases supplements, the discussion entitled U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary beginning on page PS-31 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1, which you should carefully review prior to investing in the notes.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain. No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the opinion of our tax counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, it would generally be reasonable to treat the notes as prepaid cash-settled derivative contracts. Pursuant to the terms of the notes, you agree to treat the notes in this manner for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. If your notes are so treated, you should generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption or payment on maturity in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount that you paid for your notes. Such gain or loss should generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your notes for more than one year.
The characterization described above is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) or the courts. Thus, it is possible that the IRS would seek to characterize your notes in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described above or in the accompanying product supplement. For a more detailed discussion of certain alternative characterizations with respect to your notes and certain other considerations with respect to your investment in the notes, you should consider the discussion set forth in U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary of the product supplement. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences that you may experience as a result of any alternative characterization of the notes for U.S. federal income tax or other tax purposes.
You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of such characterization and any possible alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You should also consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of your investment in the notes in your particular circumstances, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.
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Where You Can Find More Information
We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.
Market-Linked Investments Classification
MLPF&S classifies certain market-linked investments (the Market-Linked Investments) into categories, each with different investment characteristics. The following description is meant solely for informational purposes and is not intended to represent any particular Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investment or guarantee any performance.
Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investments are short- to medium-term investments that offer you a way to enhance exposure to a particular market view without taking on a similarly enhanced level of market downside risk. They can be especially effective in a flat to moderately positive market (or, in the case of bearish investments, a flat to moderately negative market). In exchange for the potential to receive better-than market returns on the linked asset, you must generally accept market downside risk and capped upside potential. As these investments are not market downside protected, and do not assure full repayment of principal at maturity, you need to be prepared for the possibility that you may lose all or part of your investment.
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