424B2 1 d305687d424b2.htm TERM SHEET Term Sheet

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed
Maximum

Offering

Price Per

Unit

  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
 

Amount of
Registration

Fee(1)

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

  1,074,820   $10.00   $10,748,200   $1,231.74

 

 

(1) 

Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933.


Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-158663

 

LOGO

The notes are being offered by Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). The notes will have the terms specified in this term sheet as supplemented by the documents indicated below under “Additional Terms” (together, the “Note Prospectus”). Investing in the notes involves a number of risks. There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks. See “Risk Factors” on page TS-4 of this term sheet and beginning on page S-10 of product supplement STR-2. The notes:

 

        Are Not FDIC Insured    Are Not Bank Guaranteed    May Lose Value  

In connection with this offering, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) is acting in its capacity as principal for your account.

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 is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

    

Per Unit

      

Total

        

Public offering price

     $10.00           $10,748,200.00        

Underwriting discount

     $0.10           $107,482.00        

Proceeds, before expenses, to BAC

     $9.90           $10,640,718.00        

 

   Merrill Lynch & Co.    LOGO
  

 

February 16, 2012

  

 

1,074,820 Units

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index,

due August 24, 2012

$10 principal amount per unit

Term Sheet No. 855

Pricing Date February 16, 2012 Settlement Date February 27, 2012 Maturity Date August 24, 2012 CUSIP No. 06051P646

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

The notes have a maturity of approximately six months

The notes will be called at $10 per unit plus the Call Premium of 11.69% if the closing level of the Russell 2000® Index (the “Index”) on the Observation Date is less than or equal to 100% of its Starting Value

1-to-1 downside loss if the notes are not called, with up to 100% of the principal amount at risk

Payments on the notes are subject to the credit risk of Bank of America Corporation

No periodic interest payments

No listing on any securities exchange

Enhanced Return


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

Summary

The Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities® Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012 (the “notes”), are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or secured by collateral. The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt, and any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BAC.

The notes have only one Observation Date, which will occur approximately six months after the pricing date, and are designed for investors (i) who anticipate that the Observation Level of the Russell 2000® Index (the “Index”) will be less than or equal to the Call Level, or (ii) who want to invest in a security of this kind for risk diversification purposes. The notes provide for an automatic call if the Observation Level of the Index on the Observation Date is less than or equal to the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive the Original Offering Price of the notes plus the Call Premium. If your notes are not called, the amount you receive on the maturity date will be less than the Original Offering Price per unit and will be based on the percentage increase in the level of the Index from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. Investors must be willing to forgo interest payments on the notes and be willing to accept a repayment that may be less, and potentially significantly less, than the Original Offering Price of the notes.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement STR-2. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this term sheet to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BAC.

 

Terms of the Notes

 

 

Issuer:

 

 

Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”)

 

Original Offering Price:

 

 

$10.00 per unit

 

Term:

 

 

Approximately six months

 

Market Measure:

 

 

Russell 2000® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “RTY”)

 

Starting Value:

 

 

829.96

 

Ending Value:

 

 

The Observation Level on the Observation Date. If it is determined that the scheduled Observation Date is not a Market Measure Business Day, or if a Market Disruption Event occurs on the scheduled Observation Date, the Ending Value will be determined as more fully described beginning on page S-25 of product supplement STR-2.

 

Observation Level:

 

 

The closing level of the Market Measure on the Observation Date.

 

Observation Date:

 

 

August 17, 2012

 

Call Level:

 

 

100% of the Starting Value

 

Call Amount (per Unit):

 

 

$11.169

 

Call Premium:

 

 

11.69% of the Original Offering Price

 

Call Settlement Date:

 

 

The maturity date

 

Threshold Value:

 

 

100% of the Starting Value. Accordingly, you will lose all or a portion of your investment if the Ending Value is greater than the Starting Value.

 

Minimum Redemption Amount:

 

 

$0.00 per unit

 

Calculation Agent:

 

 

MLPF&S, a subsidiary of BAC

 

Fees Charged:

 

 

The public offering price of the notes includes the underwriting discount of $0.10 per unit as listed on the cover page and an additional charge of $0.05 per unit more fully described on page TS-5.

 

Redemption Amount Determination

Automatic Call Provision:

If on the Observation Date, the Observation Level is less than or equal to the Call Level, the notes will be automatically called. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the Call Premium.

 

LOGO

Payment at Maturity:

If the notes are not called, you will receive the Redemption Amount per unit on the maturity date, calculated as follows:

You will receive per unit:

 

 

$10 +

  [   $10 ×    (   Threshold Value –  Ending Value   )   ]    
          Starting Value        

However, the amount you receive will not be less than the Minimum Redemption Amount.

In this case, because the Threshold Value of the notes is equal to the Starting Value, you will receive a Redemption Amount that is less, and possibly significantly less, than the Original Offering Price per unit.

 

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-2


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

Hypothetical Payments

Set forth below are three hypothetical examples of payment calculations (rounded to three decimal places). These examples have been prepared for purposes of illustration only. Your actual return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Call Level, Observation Level, and term of your investment. These hypothetical examples are based on:

1) a Starting Value and Threshold Value of 100.00;

2) a Call Level of 100.00, or 100.00% of the Starting Value;

3) the term of the notes from February 27, 2012 to August 24, 2012;

4) the Call Premium of 11.69% of the Original Offering Price per unit per annum, and

5) the Observation Date occurring August 17, 2012.

The hypothetical Starting Value of 100 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only. The actual Starting Value is 829.96, which was the closing level of the Market Measure on the pricing date. For recent actual values of the Index, see “The Index” section below, beginning on page TS-6.

Notes Are Called on the Observation Date

The notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium on the Observation Date if the Observation Level is less than or equal to the Call Level.

Example 1 — The Observation Level on the Observation Date is 87.75. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $1.169, or $11.169 per unit.

Example 2 — The Observation Level on the Observation Date is 99.40. Therefore, the notes will be called at $10.00 plus the Call Premium of $1.169, or $11.169 per unit.

Notes Are Not Called on the Observation Date

Example 3 — The notes are not called on the Observation Date and the Ending Value is greater than the Threshold Value. The Redemption Amount will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the Original Offering Price per unit. For example, if the Ending Value is 115.00, the Redemption Amount will be:

 

   

$10 +

  [   $10 ×   (   100.00 – 115.00   )   ]   = $8.500 per unit  
            100.00        

  Summary of the Hypothetical Examples

 

    

Notes Are Called on the

Observation Date

         Notes Are Not Called on the
Observation Date
     Example 1    Example 2          Example 3

Starting Value

       100.00            100.00                 100.00    

Call Level

       100.00            100.00                 100.00    

Threshold Value

       100.00            100.00                 100.00    

Ending Value

       87.75            99.40                 115.00    

Return of the Index

       -12.25%          -0.60%               15.00%  

Return of the Notes

       11.69%          11.69%               -15.00%  

Redemption Amount per Unit

       $11.169          $11.169               $8.500  

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-3


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

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. The following is a list of certain of the risks involved in investing in the notes. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page S-10 of product supplement STR-2 and page S-4 of the MTN prospectus supplement identified below under “Additional Terms.” 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 called, your investment will result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.

 

  §  

Your return, if any, is limited to the return represented by the Call Premium.

 

  §  

Your yield may be less than the yield on a conventional debt security of comparable maturity.

 

  §  

Your investment return may be less than the return on a comparable short position taken directly on the stocks included in the Index.

 

  §  

You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to the Index.

 

  §  

In seeking to provide you with what we believe to be competitive terms for the notes while providing MLPF&S with compensation for its services, we have considered the costs of developing, hedging, and distributing the notes described on page TS-5. The price at which you may sell the notes in any secondary market may be lower than the public offering price due to, among other things, the inclusion of these costs.

 

  §  

A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. MLPF&S is not obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes.

 

  §  

The amount that you receive at maturity or upon a call will not be affected by all developments relating to the Index.

 

  §  

Russell Investments (“Russell”) may adjust the Index in a way that affects its level, and Russell 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 or our affiliates may from time to time own shares of companies included in the Index, we do not control any company included in the Index, and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.

 

  §  

If you attempt to sell the notes prior to maturity, their market value, if any, will be affected by various factors that interrelate in complex ways, and their market value may be less than the Original Offering Price.

 

  §  

Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and changes in our credit ratings are expected to affect the value of the notes.

 

  §  

Purchases and sales by us and our affiliates of shares of companies included in the Index may affect your return.

 

  §  

Our trading and hedging activities may create conflicts of interest with you.

 

  §  

Our hedging activities may affect your return on the notes and their market value.

 

  §  

Our business activities relating to the companies represented by the Index may create conflicts of interest with you.

 

  §  

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. 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 Tax Consequences” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page S-43 of product supplement STR-2.

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-4


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

Investor Considerations

 

You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:

 

§  

You anticipate that the closing level of the Index will be less than or equal to the Call Level on the Observation Date and you seek a return at maturity equal to the Call Premium.

 

§  

You are willing to receive a pre-determined return on your investment, capped at the Call Premium, in case the notes are called, regardless of the performance of the Index from the Starting Value to the Observation Level.

 

§  

You are willing to accept that the notes may not be called, in which case your return on your investment will be less than the Original Offering Price per unit.

 

§  

You accept that your investment will result in a loss, which could be significant, if the closing level of the Index is greater than the Starting Value on the Observation Date.

 

§  

You are willing to forgo interest payments on the notes, such as fixed or floating rate interest paid on traditional interest bearing debt securities.

 

§  

You seek exposure to the Index with no expectation of dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index.

 

§  

You are willing to accept that a trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. You understand that secondary market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness.

 

§  

You are willing to make an investment, the payment on which depends on our creditworthiness, as the issuer of the notes.

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

 

§  

You anticipate that the level of the Index will increase from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

 

§  

You anticipate that the Observation Level will not be less than or equal to the Call Level on the Observation Date.

 

§  

You seek a return on your investment that will not be capped at the Call Premium.

 

§  

You seek principal protection 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 assurances that there will be a liquid market if and when you want to sell the notes prior to maturity.

 

§  

You are unwilling or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with us, as the issuer of the notes.

 

 

Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Role of MLPF&S and Conflicts of Interest

We will deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than three 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 three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than three 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.

MLPF&S, a broker-dealer subsidiary of BAC, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and will participate as selling agent in the distribution of the notes. Accordingly, offerings of the notes will conform to the requirements of Rule 5121 applicable to FINRA members. MLPF&S may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the account holder.

Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount. The public offering price includes, in addition to the underwriting discount, a charge of approximately $0.05 per unit. This charge reflects an estimated profit earned by MLPF&S from transactions through which the notes are structured and resulting obligations hedged. The fees charged reduce the economic terms of the notes. Actual profits or losses from these hedging transactions may be more or less than this amount. In entering into the hedging arrangements for the notes, we seek competitive terms and may enter into hedging transactions with a division of MLPF&S or one of our subsidiaries or affiliates. For further information regarding these charges, our trading and hedging activities and conflicts of interest, see “Risk Factors – General Risks Relating to the Notes,” beginning on page S-10 and “Use of Proceeds” on page S-23 in product supplement STR-2.

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. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions.

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-5


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

The Index

All disclosures in this term sheet regarding the Index have been derived from publicly available sources, which we have not independently verified. The information summarizes the current index methodology as published by Russell Investments (“Russell,” or the “Index Sponsor”) and may be changed by Russell at any time. Additional information on the Index is available at the following website: http://www.russell.com. No information on that website is deemed to be included or incorporated by reference in this term sheet.

“Russell 2000®” and “Russell 3000®” are trademarks of Russell and have been licensed for use by our subsidiary, MLPF&S. The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Russell, and Russell makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the notes.

Russell began dissemination of the Index (Bloomberg L.P. index symbol “RTY”) on January 1, 1984 and calculates and publishes the Index. The Index was set to 135 as of the close of business on December 31, 1986. The Index is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As a subset of the Russell 3000® Index, the Index consists of approximately 2,000 of the smallest companies (based on a combination of their market capitalization and current index membership) included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 99% of the U.S. equity market. The Index is determined, comprised, and calculated by Russell without regard to the notes.

Selection of Stocks Underlying the Index

All companies eligible for inclusion in the Index must be classified as a U.S. company under Russell’s country-assignment methodology. If a company is incorporated, has a stated headquarters location, and trades in the same country (American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares are not eligible), then the company is assigned to its country of incorporation. If any of the three factors are not the same, Russell defines three Home Country Indicators (“HCIs”): country of incorporation, country of headquarters, and country of the most liquid exchange (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume) (“ADDTV”). Using the HCIs, Russell compares the primary location of the company’s assets with the three HCIs. If the primary location of its assets matches any of the HCIs, then the company is assigned to the primary location of its assets. If there is insufficient information to determine the country in which the company’s assets are primarily located, Russell will use the primary country from which the company’s revenues are primarily derived for the comparison with the three HCIs in a similar manner. For the 2010 reconstitution, Russell will use one year of assets or revenues data to determine the country for the company. Beginning in 2011, Russell will use the average of two years of assets or revenues data, in order to reduce potential turnover. Assets and revenues data are retrieved from each company’s annual report as of the last trading day in May. If conclusive country details cannot be derived from assets or revenues data, Russell will assign the company to the country of its headquarters, which is defined as the address of the company’s principal executive offices, unless that country is a Benefit Driven Incorporation “BDI” country, in which case the company will be assigned to the country of its most liquid stock exchange. BDI countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, and Turks and Caicos Islands. For any companies incorporated or headquartered in a U.S. territory, including countries such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. HCI is assigned.

All securities eligible for inclusion in the Index must trade on a major U.S. exchange. Bulletin board, pink-sheets, and over-the-counter (“OTC”) traded securities are not eligible for inclusion. Stocks must trade at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the last trading day in May to be eligible for inclusion during annual reconstitution. However, in order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last day of May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices (from its primary exchange) during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00. Nonetheless, a stock’s closing price (on its primary exchange) on the last trading day in May will be used to calculate market capitalization and index membership. Initial public offerings are added each quarter and must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion. If a stock, new or existing, does not have a closing price at or above $1.00 (on its primary exchange) on the last trading day in May, but does have a closing price at or above $1.00 on another major U.S. exchange, that stock will be eligible for inclusion, but the lowest price from a non-primary exchange will be used to calculate market capitalization and index membership. If multiple share classes exist, Russell will determine a primary trading vehicle, and the price of that primary trading vehicle (usually the most liquid) is used to calculate market capitalization.

An important criteria used to determine the list of securities eligible for the Index is total market capitalization, which is defined as the market price as of the last trading day in May for those securities being considered at annual reconstitution times the total number of shares outstanding. Where applicable, common stock, non-restricted exchangeable shares and partnership units/membership interests are used to determine market capitalization. Any other form of shares such as preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants and rights, or trust receipts, are excluded from the calculation. If multiple share classes of common stock exist, they are combined. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately.

Companies with a total market capitalization of less than $30 million are not eligible for the Index. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares available in the marketplace are not eligible for the Index. Royalty trusts, limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (business development companies are eligible), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies, and limited partnerships are also ineligible for inclusion.

Annual reconstitution is a process by which the Index is completely rebuilt. Based on closing levels of the company’s common stock on its primary exchange on the last trading day of May of each year, Russell reconstitutes the composition of the Index using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies. Reconstitution of the Index occurs on the last Friday in June or, when the last Friday in June is the 28th, 29th, or 30th, reconstitution occurs on the prior Friday. In addition, Russell adds initial public offerings to the Index on a quarterly basis based on market capitalization guidelines established during the most recent reconstitution.

After membership is determined, a security’s shares are adjusted to include only those shares available to the public. This is often referred to as “free float.” The purpose of the adjustment is to exclude from market calculations the capitalization that is not available for purchase and is not part of the investable opportunity set

As a capitalization-weighted index, the Index reflects changes in the capitalization, or market value, of the component stocks relative to the entire market value of the Index. The current Index level is calculated by adding the market values of the Index’s component stocks, which are derived by multiplying the price of each stock by the number of shares publicly available, to arrive at the available market capitalization of the 2,000 stocks. The available market capitalization is then divided by a divisor, which represents the index value of the Index. To calculate the Index, closing prices will be used from the primary exchange of each security. If a component stock is not open for trading, the most recently traded price for that security will be used in calculating the Index. In order to provide continuity for the Index’s level, the divisor is adjusted periodically to reflect events including changes in the number of common shares outstanding for component stocks, company additions or deletions, corporate restructurings, and other capitalization changes.

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-6


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

The following graph sets forth the monthly historical performance of the Index in the period from January 2007 through January 2012. 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 below 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. On the pricing date, the closing level of the Index was 829.96.

 

LOGO

Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels and trading pattern of the Index. The generally unsettled international environment and related uncertainties, including the risk of terrorism, may result in the Index and financial markets generally exhibiting greater volatility than in earlier periods.

License Agreement

Russell and MLPF&S have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement providing for the license to MLPF&S and its affiliates, including us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by Russell in connection with some securities, including the notes. The license agreement provides that the following language must be stated in this term sheet:

The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Russell. Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. Russell’s publication of the Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the Index is based. Russell’s only relationship to MLPF&S and to us is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Russell and of the Index, which is determined, composed, and calculated by Russell without regard to MLPF&S, us, or the notes. Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the notes nor any associated literature or publications and Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate, or in any way change the Index. Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the notes.

RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY MLPF&S, US, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-7


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

Summary Tax Consequences

You should consider the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including the following:

 

   

You agree with us (in the absence of an administrative determination, or judicial ruling to the contrary) to characterize and treat the notes for all tax purposes as a callable single financial contract linked to the Index that requires you to pay us at inception an amount equal to the purchase price of the notes and that entitles you to receive at maturity or upon earlier redemption an amount in cash linked to the level of the Index.

 

   

Under this characterization and tax treatment of the notes, upon receipt of a cash payment at maturity or upon a sale or exchange of the notes prior to maturity, you generally will recognize short-term capital gain or loss.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

Set forth below is a 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 qualified in its entirety by the discussion under the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page S-43 of product supplement STR-2, which you should carefully review prior to investing in the notes.

General. Although there is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the notes, we intend to treat the notes for all tax purposes as a callable single financial contract linked to the Index that requires you to pay us at inception an amount equal to the purchase price of the notes and that entitles you to receive at maturity or upon earlier redemption an amount in cash linked to the level of the Index. Under the terms of the notes, we and every investor in the notes agree, in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary, to treat the notes as described in the preceding sentence. This discussion assumes that the notes constitute a callable single financial contract linked to the Index for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the notes did not constitute a callable single financial contract, the tax consequences described below would be materially different.

This characterization of the notes is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or the courts. No statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the notes or any similar instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to their proper characterization and treatment. Due to the absence of authorities on point, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are not certain, and no assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with the characterization and tax treatment described in product supplement STR-2. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including possible alternative characterizations. The discussion in this section and in the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” in product supplement STR-2 assume that there is a significant possibility of a significant loss of principal on an investment in the notes.

Settlement at Maturity or Sale or Exchange Prior to Maturity. Assuming that the notes are properly characterized and treated as callable single financial contracts linked to the Index for U.S. federal income tax purposes, upon receipt of a cash payment at maturity or upon a sale or exchange of the notes prior to maturity, a U.S. Holder (as defined on page S-44 in product supplement STR-2) generally will recognize short-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s basis in the notes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Possible Future Tax Law Changes. From time to time, there may be legislative proposals or interpretive guidance addressing the tax treatment of financial instruments such as the notes. We cannot predict the likelihood of any such legislation or guidance being adopted, or the ultimate impact on the notes. For example, on December 7, 2007, the IRS released Notice 2008-2 (“Notice”) seeking comments from the public on the taxation of financial instruments currently taxed as “prepaid forward contracts.” This Notice addresses instruments such as the notes. According to the Notice, the IRS and Treasury are considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, regardless of whether any payments are made prior to maturity. It is not possible to determine what guidance the IRS and Treasury will ultimately issue, if any. Any such future guidance may affect the amount, timing, and character of income, gain, or loss in respect of the notes, possibly with retroactive effect. The IRS and Treasury are also considering additional issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, whether Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, concerning certain “constructive ownership transactions,” generally applies or should generally apply to such instruments, and whether any of these determinations depend on the nature of the underlying asset. We urge you to consult your own tax advisors concerning the impact and the significance of the above considerations. We intend to continue treating the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the manner described herein unless and until such time as we determine, or the IRS or Treasury determines, that some other treatment is more appropriate.

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws. See the discussion under the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page S-43 of product supplement STR-2.

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-8


Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®

Linked to the Russell 2000® Index, due August 24, 2012

    LOGO        

 

Validity of the Notes

In the opinion of McGuireWoods LLP, as counsel to BAC, when the notes offered by this Note Prospectus have been completed and executed by BAC, and authenticated by the trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Indenture, and delivered against payment therefor as contemplated by this Note Prospectus, such notes will be legal, valid and binding obligations of BAC, subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors now or hereafter in effect, and to equitable principles that may limit the right to specific enforcement of remedies, and further subject to 12 U.S.C. §1818(b)(6)(D) (or any successor statute) and any bank regulatory powers now or hereafter in effect and to the application of principles of public policy. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the Federal laws of the United States, the laws of the State of New York and the Delaware General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing). In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Senior Indenture, the validity, binding nature and enforceability of the Senior Indenture with respect to the trustee, the legal capacity of natural persons, the genuineness of signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as photocopies, the authenticity of the originals of such copies and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of McGuireWoods LLP dated April 28, 2011, which has been filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2011.

Additional Terms

You should read this term sheet, together with the documents listed below, which together contain the terms of the notes and supersede all prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth under “Risk Factors” in the sections indicated on the cover of this term sheet. The notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

You may access the following documents on the SEC Website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC Website):

 

  §  

Product supplement STR-2 dated April 21, 2009:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000095014409003417/g18702p5e424b5.htm

 

  §  

Series L MTN prospectus supplement dated April 21, 2009 and prospectus dated April 20, 2009:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000095014409003387/g18667b5e424b5.htm

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC Website is 70858.

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 product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus in that registration statement, and the other documents relating to this offering 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 the Note Prospectus if you so request by calling MLPF&S toll-free at 1-866-500-5408.

 

LOGO

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 a degree of 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.

“Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®” is our registered service mark.

 

 

Bear Market Strategic Accelerated Redemption Securities®    TS-9