FWP 1 tm2325339d118_fwp.htm FWP

 

 

Subject to Completion

Preliminary Term Sheet

dated October 3, 2023

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Registration Statement No. 333-272447
(To Prospectus dated September 5, 2023,
Prospectus Supplement dated September 5, 2023 and Product
Supplement EQUITY SUN-1 dated September 27, 2023)

    Units
$10 principal amount per unit
CUSIP No.    
Pricing Date*
Settlement Date*
Maturity Date*

October  , 2023

November  , 2023
December  , 2024

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

 

 

       

Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index

 

§       Maturity of approximately 14 months

 

§       If the Index is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value, a return of [13.50% to 19.50%]

 

§       If the Index increases above the Step Up Value, a return equal to the percentage increase in the Index

 

§      1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Index, with up to 100.00% of the principal amount at risk

 

§       All payments occur at maturity and 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 $0.05 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

 
           

 

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” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet and beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY SUN-1.

 

The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.228 and $9.622 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

 

_________________________

 

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

 

_________________________

 

  Per Unit Total
Public offering price(1) $   10.000 $               
Underwriting discount(1) $      0.175 $               
Proceeds, before expenses, to CIBC $      9.825 $               

 

(1)For any purchase of 300,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investor’s household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.125 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below.

 

The notes:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

 

BofA Securities

October      , 2023

 

 

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

Summary

 

The Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December  , 2024 (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 of the United States, Canada or any other jurisdiction or secured by collateral. The notes are not bail-inable debt securities (as defined on page 6 of the prospectus). 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 provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Market Measure, which is the Nikkei Stock Average Index (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 Step Up Payment) 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 and certain service fee 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-12.

 

Terms of the Notes
Issuer: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC ”)
Principal Amount: $10.00 per unit
Term: Approximately 14 months
Market Measure: The Nikkei Stock Average Index (Bloomberg symbol: “NKY”)
Starting Value: The closing level of the Index on the pricing date
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-25 of product supplement EQUITY SUN-1.
Step Up Value: [113.50% to 119.50%] of the Starting Value. The actual Step Up Value will be determined on the pricing date.
Step Up Payment: [$1.35 to $1.95] per unit, which represents a return of [13.50% to 19.50%] over the principal amount. The actual Step Up Payment will be determined on the pricing date.
Threshold Value: 100% of the Starting Value.
Calculation Day: Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date.
Fees and Charges: The underwriting discount of $0.175 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging-related charge of $0.05 per unit described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12.
Calculation Agent: BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”).

Redemption Amount Determinations

 

On the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:

 

 

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-2

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:

 

§Product supplement EQUITY SUN-1 dated September 27, 2023:
 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465923104209/tm2325339d99_424b5.htm

 

§Prospectus supplement dated September 5, 2023:
 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465923098166/tm2322483d94_424b5.htm

 

§Prospectus dated September 5, 2023:
 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465923098163/tm2325339d10_424b3.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 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) or BofAS by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY 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:

 

§You anticipate that the Index will not decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

 

§You are willing to risk a loss of principal if the Index decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

 

§You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities.

 

§You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index.

 

§You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes.

 

§You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount.

The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:

 

§You believe that 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.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-3

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity

 

The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values.

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes

This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Threshold Value of 100% of the Starting Value, a hypothetical Step Up Payment of $1.65 per unit (the midpoint of the Step Up Payment range of [$1.35 to $1.95]) and a hypothetical Step Up Value of 116.50% of the Starting Value (the midpoint of the Step Up Value range of [113.50% to 119.50%]). 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. 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 116.50, a hypothetical Step Up Payment of $1.65 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Ending Value, Step Up Value and Step Up Payment, 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
Starting Value to the Ending Value

 

Redemption Amount
per Unit

 

Total Rate of Return on the
Notes

0.00   -100.00%   $0.00   -100.00%
50.00   -50.00%   $5.00   -50.00%
80.00   -20.00%   $8.00   -20.00%
90.00   -10.00%   $9.00   -10.00%
94.00   -6.00%   $9.40   -6.00%
97.00   -3.00%   $9.70   -3.00%
      100.00(1)(2)   0.00%      $11.65(3)   16.50%
110.00   10.00%   $11.65   16.50%
   116.50(4)   16.50%   $11.65   16.50%
120.00   20.00%   $12.00   20.00%
140.00   40.00%   $14.00   40.00%
160.00   60.00%   $16.00   60.00%
200.00   100.00%   $20.00   100.00%

 

(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 hypothetical Step Up Payment of $1.65.
(4)This is the hypothetical Step Up Value.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-4

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

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
= $5.00  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:              116.50
Ending Value:                 110.00
$10.00 + $1.65 = $11.65 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 132.00, or 132.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value:              100.00
Step Up Value:             116.50
Ending Value:                132.00
Redemption Amount per unit

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-5

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

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 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.

 

Structure-related Risks

 

§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 investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.

 

§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.

 

§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.

 

Valuation- and Market-related Risks

 

§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-12, 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 level of the Index, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors, which may impact the price at which MLPF&S, BofAS 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, BofAS 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. None of us, MLPF&S or BofAS is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.

 

Conflict-related Risks

 

§Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S, BofAS and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Index), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S, BofAS 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.

 

§There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent, which is BofAS. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.

 

Market Measure-related Risks

 

§The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that affects its level, and has no obligation to consider your interests.

 

§As a noteholder, you will have no rights of a holder of the securities represented by the Index, and you will not be entitled to receive securities, dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.

 

§While we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Index, we, MLPF&S, BofAS 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 factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes in Japan. In addition, you will not obtain the benefit of any increase in the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar, which you would have received if you had owned the securities included in the Index during the term of your notes, although the level of the Index may be adversely affected by general exchange rate movements in the market.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-6

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

Tax-related Risks

 

§The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-41 of product supplement EQUITY SUN-1. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes, see “Material Income Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the prospectus, as supplemented by the discussion under “Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations” herein.

 

Other Terms of the Notes

 

Market Measure Business Day

 

The following definition shall supersede and replace the definition of “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product supplement EQUITY SUN-1.

 

A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:

 

(A)the Tokyo Stock Exchange (or any successor) is open for trading; and

 

(B)the Index or any successor is calculated and published.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-7

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

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, Nikkei Inc. (“Nikkei” or the “Index sponsor”). 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 Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-27 of product supplement EQUITY SUN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, MLPF&S or BofAS accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.

 

General

 

The Index, also known as the Nikkei, the Nikkei Index, or the Nikkei 225, is calculated, maintained and published by Nikkei. The Index is reported by Bloomberg L.P. under the symbol “NKY.”

 

The Index is an adjusted price weight index that measures the composite price performance of certain Japanese stocks. The Index currently is based on 225 underlying stocks trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. (“TSE”) representing a broad cross-section of Japanese industries. ETFs, REITs, preferred stocks, preferred securities and tracking stocks are excluded. All 225 components of the Index are listed on the TSE Prime Market. Stocks listed on the TSE Prime Market are among the most actively traded stocks on the TSE. The index rules require that the 75 most liquid issues (one-third of the components of the Index) be included in the Index.

 

Index Composition and Maintenance

 

The Index is reviewed twice a year with a base date at the end of January and July, and the result becomes effective in the beginning of April and October respectively. The maximum number of constituents reshuffled is 3. However, constituent changes due to corporate reorganizations near the time of periodic review are not subject to such limit. Stocks with high market liquidity are added and those with low liquidity are deleted. At the same time, to take into account changes in industry structure, the index sponsor examines the balance of the sectors, in terms of the number of constituents. Liquidity of a stock is assessed by the two measures: “trading value” and “magnitude of price fluctuation by volume,” which is calculated as (High price/Low price) / Volume. Among stocks on the TSE Prime Market, the top 450 stocks in terms of liquidity are selected to form the “high liquidity group”. Those constituents not in the high liquidity group are deleted. Those non-constituent stocks which are in the top 75 of the high liquidity group are added. After the liquidity deletions and additions, constituents are deleted and added to balance the number of constituents among sectors, and to make the total number of the constituents equal 225.

 

The 225 companies included in the Index are divided into six sector categories: Technology, Financials, Consumer Goods, Materials, Capital Goods/Others and Transportation and Utilities. The six sector categories are divided into 36 industrial classifications as follows:

 

Technology — Pharmaceuticals, Electric Machinery, Automobiles and Auto Parts, Precision Instruments, Communications;

 

Financials — Banking, Other Financial Services, Securities, Insurance;

 

Consumer Goods — Fishery, Foods, Retail, Services;

 

Materials — Mining, Textiles and Apparel, Paper and Pulp, Chemicals, Petroleum, Rubber, Glass and Ceramics, Steel, Nonferrous Metals, Trading Companies;

 

Capital Goods/Others — Construction, Machinery, Shipbuilding, Transportation Equipment, Other Manufacturing, Real Estate; and

 

Transportation and Utilities — Railway and Bus, Land Transport, Marine Transport, Air Transport, Warehousing, Electric Power, Gas.

 

Among the 450 “high liquidity” stocks, half of those that belong to any sector are designated as the “appropriate number of stocks” for that sector. The actual number of constituents in a sector is then compared with its “appropriate number,” and if the actual number is larger or smaller than the “appropriate number,” then components are deleted or added, as necessary. Stocks to be deleted are selected from stocks with lower liquidity and stocks to be added are selected from stocks with higher liquidity. Stocks selected according to the foregoing procedures are candidates for addition or deletion, as applicable, and the final determinations will be made by the index sponsor.

 

The Index is also reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to extraordinary developments, such as bankruptcies or mergers. Any stock removed from the TSE Prime Market due to any of the following reasons will be removed from the Index: (i) designated to be “securities to be delisted” or “securities on alert”; (ii) delisted due to corporate restructuring such as merger, share exchange or share transfer; or (iii) transfer to a market other than the Prime Market. In addition, component stocks designated as “securities under supervision” remain to be constituents at the time of designation. However, Nikkei may replace such a constituent with a pre-announcement when it is highly inappropriate to keep such stock as a constituent. Upon deletion of a stock from the Index, the index sponsor will generally select as a replacement the most liquid stock that is both in the “high liquidity group” and in the same sector as the deleted stock. When deletions are known in advance, replacements may be selected as part of the periodic review process or by using similar procedures.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-8

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

Index Calculation

 

The Index is an adjusted price-weighted index (i.e., a stock’s weight in the Index is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer) where the sum of the constituent stock prices, adjusted by the presumed par value, is divided by a divisor.

 

The Index is calculated by (i) converting the component stocks that do not have a par value of 50 yen to 50 yen par value; (ii) calculating the sum of the adjusted share prices of each component stock; and (iii) dividing such sum by a divisor. Most listed companies in Japan have a par value of 50 yen. All companies included in the Index are given an equal weighting based on a par value of 50 yen. Stocks with irregular par values are modified to reflect a 50 yen par value. For example, a stock with a 500 yen par value will have its share price divided by 10 to give a 50 yen par value price. The level of the Index is calculated every 5 seconds during TSE trading hours.

 

In order to maintain continuity in the Index in the event of certain changes due to non-market events, the divisor is changed. The non-market factors affecting the component stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stocks, stock splits or distributions of assets to stockholders, the divisor used in calculating the Index is adjusted in a manner designed to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of the Index. Thereafter, the divisor remains at the new value until a further adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. As a result of such change affecting any component stock, the divisor is adjusted in such a way that the sum of all share prices immediately after such change multiplied by the applicable weight factor and divided by the new divisor (i.e., the level of the Index immediately after such change) will equal the level of the Index immediately prior to the change. The price adjustment factor may also be changed for large scale splits and reverse splits to keep its continuity. The divisor is not changed so long as the adjusted price is unchanged before and after such split.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-9

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index in the period from January 1, 2013 through October 3, 2023. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On October 3, 2023, the closing level of the Index was 31,237.94.

 

Historical Performance of the Index

 

 

 

This historical data on the Index 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 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

 

We will enter into an agreement with Nikkei providing us with a non-exclusive license with the right to use the Index in exchange for a fee. The Index is the intellectual property of Nikkei. “Nikkei,” “Nikkei 225,” “Nikkei Stock Average” and “Nikkei Average” are the service marks of Nikkei. Nikkei reserves all the rights, including copyright, to the Index.

 

The notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed or promoted by Nikkei. Nikkei does not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the results to be obtained as to the use of the Index or the figure at which the Index stands at any particular day or otherwise. The Index is compiled and calculated solely by Nikkei. However, Nikkei shall not be liable to any person for any error in the Index and Nikkei shall not be under any obligation to advise any person, including a purchaser or seller of the notes, of any error therein. Nikkei shall be entitled to change the details of the Index and to suspend the announcement thereof. In addition, Nikkei gives no assurance regarding any modification or change in any methodology used in calculating the Index and is under no obligation to continue the calculation, publication and dissemination of the Index.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-10

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

Supplement to the Plan of Distribution

 

Under our distribution agreement with BofAS, BofAS will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount. MLPF&S will 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 the underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this term sheet.

 

We will pay a fee to a broker dealer in which an affiliate of BofAS has an ownership interest for providing certain services with respect to this offering, which will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you.

 

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 and/or one of its affiliates acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.

 

MLPF&S and BofAS may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s and BofAS’s trading commissions and mark-ups or mark-downs. MLPF&S and BofAS may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, neither is obligated to engage in any such transactions. At their discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S and BofAS may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S or BofAS for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Index and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.

 

The value of the notes shown on your account statement will be based on BofAS’s estimate of the value of the notes if BofAS or another of its affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do. That estimate will be based upon the price that BofAS may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.

 

The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding CIBC or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.

 

An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:

 

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

 

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

 

a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account.

 

Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees (“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).

 

Please contact your Merrill financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-11

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

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.

 

At maturity, we are required to pay the Redemption Amount to holders of the notes, which will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with BofAS or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including BofAS 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.

 

BofAS has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging-related charge of approximately $0.05 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to BofAS from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by BofAS or any third party hedge providers.

 

For further information, see “Risk Factors—Valuation- and Market-related Risks” beginning on page PS-8 of product supplement EQUITY SUN-1 and “Use of Proceeds” on page S-14 of prospectus supplement.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-12

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

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) and the regulations thereto (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 at all relevant times: (a) is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in Canada; (b) deals at arm’s 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; (e) is not a, and deals at arm’s length with any, “specified shareholder” of CIBC for purposes of the thin capitalization rules in the Canadian Tax Act; and (f) is not an entity in respect of which CIBC or any transferee resident (or deemed to be resident) in Canada to whom the purchaser disposes of, loans or otherwise transfers the note is a “specified entity”, and is not a “specified entity” in respect of such a transferee, in each case, for purposes of the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals, as defined below (a “Non-Resident Holder”). Special rules which apply to non-resident insurers carrying on business in Canada and elsewhere are not discussed in this summary.

 

This summary assumes that no amount paid or payable to a holder described herein will be the deduction component of a “hybrid mismatch arrangement” under which the payment arises within the meaning of proposed paragraph 18.4(3)(b) of the Canadian Tax Act contained in the proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act released by the Minister of Finance (Canada) on April 29, 2022 with respect to “hybrid mismatch arrangements” (the “Hybrid Mismatch Proposals”). Investors should note that the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals are in consultation form, are highly complex, and there remains significant uncertainty as to their interpretation and application. There can be no assurance that the Hybrid Mismatch Proposals will be enacted in their current form, or at all.

 

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 Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus and a Non-Resident Holder should carefully read that description as well.

 

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular Non-Resident Holder. Non-Resident Holders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.

 

Based on Canadian tax counsel’s understanding of the Canada Revenue Agency’s 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 advisors regarding the consequences to them of a disposition of the notes to a person with whom they are not dealing at arm’s length for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-13

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes
Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due December     , 2024

 

 

 

Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following discussion is a brief summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations 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” in product supplement EQUITY SUN-1, which you should carefully review prior to investing in the notes.

 

The U.S. federal income tax considerations 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 this treatment is respected, 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. Non-U.S. holders should consult the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary—Non-U.S. Holders” in product supplement EQUITY SUN-1.

 

The expected characterization of the notes 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. Such alternate treatments could include a requirement that a holder accrue ordinary income over the life of the notes or treat all gain or loss at maturity as ordinary gain or loss. 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.

 

Where You Can Find More Information

 

We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S or BofAS toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.

 

Market-Linked Step Up NotesTS-14